OUR newest TV chef has done his region proud in the final of The Great British Menu.

Tom Barnes, who works at Simon Rogan's restaurants in Cartmel, took part in the closing banquet on the hit BBC show but lost out to winner Niall Keating.

The executive chef made it to the finals alongside Stoke-on-Trent’s Keating and Alex Greene of Belfast on Friday night.

The contestants served a six-course meal inspired by children’s literature at the City of Oxford college.

“It has been hard work but I enjoyed it," said Tom.

"I put a lot of work into it over the last few months to have it all done. It is a nice feeling and I’m glad everyone enjoyed the food.

“I was really excited to be here. It was my first time in Oxford, there is so much history in the place and it (made) me really excited to get in the kitchen and cook.”

The competition was judged by chef Andi Oliver, restaurateur Oliver Peyton and food critic Matthew Fort.

“Tom punched flavour into his sauce," said Andi of Tom's culinary efforts.

"What he made is incredible.”

Oliver said: “I think what we’ve got here is probably the finest bunch of chefs we’ve ever put together. Their dishes match up to this amazing environment.”

Despite initial setbacks caused by malfunctioning equipment and the presence of Storm Ciara during filming, Tom kept a cool and calm demeanour and was praised for his Beatrix Potter Herdwick lamb main course.

The guests for the evening's food included poet Lemn Sissay, Harry Potter actor David Bradley, authors Francesca Simon and Anthony Horowitz, and presenter Terry Deary.

“What Tom’s made isn’t food, it’s art," said Terry.

The judges praised Tom for his flavour, creativity, and presentation.

Journalist Matthew Ford said: “If Beatrix Potter had been with us today, she would have been the happiest person at this table.”

The evening saw Niall Keating awarded first place with his fish course ‘Witches of the Northern Lights’.

Niall said: “It has been my lifelong mission to win Great British Menu. It is a dream come true.”