THE upcoming 2019 World Parmo Championships have gone truly global with a pub from down under joining the final 30 entrants.

Thousands of foodies are making their voices heard as the voting for the competition gathers pace.

A total of 30 restaurants are taking part in the competition including the Pig and Whistle pub in Brisbane, Australia.

They join a stellar cast of eateries from across Teesside and North Yorkshire vying to have their parmo crowned as ‘Simply the Bech' in the world.

The competition has been launched by Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston and voting is open via the Lovemiddlesbrough website until Friday, October 25.

Once the votes are counted the top four will be invited to a parmo cook-off at Middlesbrough Town Hall on the evening of Monday, October 28.

Mayor Preston said: "We've had a brilliant response from restaurants and we're really chuffed to have our friends from Australia taking part.

"We're keeping an eye on the voting and they are coming in in their thousands. As it stands restaurants in Stockton are currently leading the way in the votes so we need more Boro voters to ensure the true home of the Parmo takes its place in the final!"

The final will be judged by a panel of top Parmo critics including Craig the Parmo Hunter, Annabel Broome from Masterchef, BBC's Scott Makin, darts champion Glen Durrant and Mr Preston.

The event will also remember former World Parmo Championship winning chef Craig Wilson who sadly died recently.

For more information on taking part or to vote for your favourite restaurant visit www.lovemiddlesbrough.com/parmo