AN ISLE of Wight chef has reached the semi-finals of the National Chef of the Year competition.

Ashley Randal, head chef at The Hambrough, Ventnor, has made the 40-strong shortlist — the only Island chef to do so.

Applicants submitted a menu consisting of an egg dish starter, a beef main course, including two cuts with two cooking methods, and a chocolate tart incorporating seasonal fruits.

The semi-finalists, from the restaurant, hotel and foodservice industries, will now battle it out in four heats.

Ashley's heat will be held at Le Cordon Bleu in London on June 18 – where he and the other competitors will be judged by 27 top chefs, including Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Josh Overington and Alyn Williams.

The winner of each heat will automatically go forward to the final on October 1. The six other highest scoring chefs will also secure a place in the final.

Competition organiser David Mulcahy said: “Despite the industry facing challenging times, and chefs being busier than ever, it was inspiring to see an increase in entries this year and it’s the best set of entries we’ve seen at this stage."

Ashley said: "I'm a little nervous, but very excited.

"Last year, I took part in the Roux scholarship, and I've learnt a lot from that.

"It was a similar format, so I'm more comfortable this time.

"Last year, I was carrying two suitcases full of equipment across London, but now I know what to expect."