CONTESTANTS on TV's Hell's Kitchen might think they have it tough - but at least they don't have to go out and catch the food.

Newcastle City Council chef Julian Holland had to go out to sea and reel in 15lb of cod to qualify for a place in an annual competition organised by the Polish Association of Master Chefs, in Gdynia, Poland, at the weekend.

The competition took place over two days, with contestants preparing eight meals in 90 minutes, with the tastiest meal taking the crown.

The competition was fierce on both days, with 25 teams entering from all over Europe.

Mr Holland came third - winning a trophy and a medal, and improving on his fourth place last year.

He found out about the competition when he took part in a cookery display in the nearby city of Gdansk as part of an official visit by the then Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Margaret Carter, to mark Poland joining the European Union.

He had wowed the crowds in Gdansk market by cooking a series of traditional English dishes.

This also led to his becoming the only English member of the Polish Cooks and Confectioners' Association.

His entry into the competition had a slightly more international flavour as the lucky judges tucked into paprika roasted cod, on a bed of chorizo bubble and squeak, with wilted wild rocket, veal and fish stock reduction, balsamic glaze and truffle oil.