A MICHELIN chef de partie is celebrating after winning his way into the semi final of a prestigious cookery competition.

Jonathan Ferguson, 23, works at Darlington's 2 star Michelin The Raby Hunt and will later this week compete in the final round of The Roux Scholarship, in front of a panel of judges and some of the biggest names in the industry. He is only 18 chefs to have made through to the semi finals.

To get through to the last stage of the competition, held in Birmingham on March 19, he will have to prepare a dish in front of Michel Roux Jnr, Brian Turner CBE and James Martin.

He will be cooking a recipe using hake, clams and leeks along with a mystery dessert.

"this is the second year that I've entered The Roux Scholarship and last year I didn't get through to this stage, so it's a good feeling to have done it this time round," said Mr Ferguson, who is being supported by his family, Grace Conroy, his dad Daniel Ferguson and his brother David.

"It's fantastic to know they are all rooting for me," he said.

James Close, chef and owner of The Raby Hunt said the team were very proud of Jonathan.

"We're delighted he's got through because it is so fiercely competitive," said Mr Close.

"Hopefully the experience he's gained working here will stand him in good stead and he'll do really well."

The winner of The Roux Scholarship receives are a three month internship at any three Michelin star restaurant of their choosing, anywhere in the world.