A NORTH-EAST classic has been reinvented in what has been described as one of the "poshest" dishes in the North.

The parmo, synonymous with Teesside, has been overhauled with 24 carat edible gold and a topping of Caviar for good measure.

Coined by Burgers and More in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, the £17.95 "Gold Parmo" is also served with cheddar and mozzarella cheese, instead of Bechamel sauce.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, restaurant owner and creator of the gold delicacy, Ian Coumont explained where the unusual idea came from.

He said: "Our menu is not normal by any means, we serve things that are different - for instance, we do custard and fries, burgers with chocolate.

The Northern Echo:

"We'd been trading for five years, everything was going well then the lockdown happened. 

"So we decided to look for something new, and for something to cheer people up, put a smile on peoples faces.

"We added a Gold Parmo, in addition to the Posh Parmo we'd already started serving this year, and added 24 carat edible gold and replaced the Bechamel sauce."

But Mr Coumont's creation has caused quite the stir on social media, with literally hundreds of comments and divided opinion.

Positively against the Gold Parmo, Corrie Laverick said that "no Teessider" would find such a dish acceptable.

The Northern Echo:

She said: "I can 100 per cent tell you that no Teessider would ever find this acceptable or think it's ok for you to try and pass this off as a parmo. 

"Remove the gold lead and caviar and replace with a good tub of garlic sauce - then I am all over it."

Echoing Ms Laverick's scathing remarks, Andy Elliot said: "This is just so wrong on so many levels."

But some said they would give it a go, Alex Graeme said he would not be afraid to try the luxurious dish.

Meanwhile Craig Harker said: "Everyone needs to lighten up. A bit of fun when the world is gloom."

Mr Coumont said: "I know all the comments haven't been positive because of what we have done to the Parmo - but it's gone mad on social media.

"We are a small independent business that is doing anything we can to help us get through these times."