Chef Phil Vickery has announced his split from TV presenter Fern Britton.

The cook, who was born in Folkestone and grew up in Densole, near Hawkinge, and Fern were together for more than 20 years.

But the couple revealed their separation via Twitter last night.

Phil, 58, posted: "After more than 20 years together Fern and I have decided to go our separate ways.

"We will always share a great friendship and our lovely children.

"We would appreciate it if our privacy is respected at this time. Thank you for you kindness and support."

Fern posted the same message.

Together they share four children - daughter Winnie and Fern's three children from her first marriage.

Phil launched his career as a commis chef at the Burlington Hotel on Folkestone seafront, now a Best Western, and also spent time working at Ian McAndrew’s Michelin starred restaurant ‘74’, in Canterbury.

He was also head chef of the Castle Hotel, in Taunton, Somerset, has released 12 books, appeared on over 200 episodes of BBC's Ready Steady Cook and hosts a cookery slot on ITV's This Morning.

It was while working on Ready Steady Cook that he met Fern, who presented the show.

She went on to present This Morning too, and has also released novels and books of short stories and non-fiction.

Phil has previously spoken about his love of Kent.

In a 2014 interview he said his favourite part of the county is "the coastline from Deal to Dungeness", adding: "It’s very special to me - I spent my childhood on the beaches. I also love The Weald around Tenterden."

He said the best views in the county are between "Sandgate to Dungeness on a clear day" and said his favourite open space was at The Warren, between Folkestone and Dover.

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