A MICHELIN star chef from the Yorkshire Dales who also works with Middlesbrough College is understood to be in contention to replace Mary Berry as a presenter on the Great British Bake Off.

Frances Atkins, who runs 18th century coaching house The Yorke Arms, in Ramsgill, Nidderdale, has been reported to have joined Michel Roux Jr and Irish cook Rachel Allen at a test shoot for the show in London.

In 2015, Middlesbrough College announced it had recruited the chef to help its deliver world class training to catering and hospitality students and launch a School of Culinary Excellence to raise the profile of the industry across the North East.

She is believed to have been shortlisted for the role alongside Paul Hollywood, on the programme which is moving to Channel 4, after impressing producers with her experience and during appearances on the Great British Menu.

Ms Atkins, a fellow of the Masterchefs of Great Britain, is one of only six female Michelin starred chefs in the UK and has held the accolade since 2003.

Her career had seen her work in Denmark for a confectioner, where she learnt to make cakes and pastries.

She said: “I worked in a place called La Glace and they were sort of the Fortnum and Mason pastry shop of Copenhagen.

"It was a great experience for me at the time, I learnt so much there working nights and learning everything there is to know about pastry. So that was an amazing opportunity for a young person at that time.”