THE WINNER of the World Parmo Championships 2019 has dedicated the title to a member of staff who passed away this year.

In a cook-off of the final four, Stockton’s Borge restaurant was the highest rated among an eight-strong judging panel.

The finals, which challenged businesses to create their best version of the Teesside delicacy, took place in Middlesbrough Town Hall last night.

Borge's owner, Fash Khalili, dedicated the win to his former head chef Craig Wilson who died earlier this year, aged 50.

Mr Wilson joined the restaurant in 1989 and won the World Parmo Championships for Borge for three years running in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Speaking after the final, Mr Khalili said: “I feel absolutely over the moon – really glad.

"I want to thank all my customers, all my voters and everyone who supported us because without them we wouldn’t be here.

"But most of all I want to thank Craig Wilson my head chef who unfortunately passed away – this is for him."

When asked for the secret to a good parmo, the owner said: “Good ingredients. Taking time over the béchamel and cooking with love and passion.”

Borge claimed the title after competing against The George, in Stockton, Middlesbrough’s Manjaro’s and The Open Jar, who have outlets in Norton and Hartlepool.

The Northern Echo: Fash Khalili owner of Borge in Stockton with judges from L-R, Scott Makin, Ben Houchen, Annabel Broome, Richard Kilty, Craig Dobson, Lauren Barnes, Andy Preston and Glen DurrantFash Khalili owner of Borge in Stockton with judges from L-R, Scott Makin, Ben Houchen, Annabel Broome, Richard Kilty, Craig Dobson, Lauren Barnes, Andy Preston and Glen Durrant

The event was judged by Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston, BBC Tees presenter Scott Makin, Teesside sprint athlete Richard Kilty, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, Masterchef semi-finalist Annabel Broome, darts player Glen Durrant, Craig Dobson from the Parmo Bites Facebook page and Lauren Barnes who was picked from a list of public nominees to judge.

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: “It was brilliant. The winner was a popular choice but the standard was exceptional. We will build on this and make it bigger and better and even more fun next year.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It was great to be on the judging panel for the 2019 World Parmo Championships and for the event to be held right here in Teesside where the dish belongs. What better way to spend an evening than sampling the very best parmos from around the world?"

Mr Houchen also announced he has submitted an application to get protected status for the regional dish.

The Northern Echo: Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has submitted an application to give the Teesside parmo protected statusTees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has submitted an application to give the Teesside parmo protected status

He added: “The parmo is a key part of our history and local culture and we should be proud of it.

“Submitting the application for protected status is another example of an election pledge delivered for the people of the Tees Valley. Although it is more of a light-hearted policy than my 10-year Rescue Plan for our airport or my support for local businesses, it can add prestige to the parmo and raise its profile outside of our region, bringing in investment and jobs.”

In 2018, the parmo appeared on the BBC’s MasterChef. Whilst the dish was new to presenters of the show, the edition saw parmos trending on Twitter, as Teessiders were quick to point out that the dish is a long-established tradition in the region.

In response to the show’s claim that the parmo could “be the next big thing”, traditionalists from Teesside took to social media proclaiming it already is, with thousands sold every week.