A chef from one of the country's best fine dining restaurants will represent the UK in a global competition.

Marcus Clayton, 26, who works at Michelin-starred Hide and Fox in Saltwood Hythe, has reached the final of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition.

The young chef, who lives in Rye and has been working in kitchens since he was 14, as already won the regional final, so will now represent the UK in the global final in Milan in 2023.

At the competition final, which took place at CORD in London, Mr Clayton won over judges, including Sat Bains and Claude Bosi, with his signature dish, Celeriac, Apple and Mushroom.

It’s a dish he’s been perfecting over the years and one he chose to put forward to show how delicious vegetables can be, he says.

"I’m delighted to have won, it's very surreal and I can't wait to represent the UK at the grand final," Mr Clayton said.

"It's been a great experience so far, especially getting direct feedback from the esteemed judging panel.

"I’m looking forward to working closely with Lisa (Goodwin-Allen) on my signature dish ahead of the next stage in Milan."

To help Marcus on his journey to the final, he has been assigned Michelin-starred chef, Lisa-Goodwin Allen, as a mentor who will provide him with guidance on how to improve his signature dish and support him in his preparation for the international finals.

The Hide and Fox was also recognised last month as the third best fine-dining restaurant in the UK according to Tripadvisor.

Since opening in 2019, the restaurant has gained glowing reviews for the quality of cooking being produced by chef Allister Barsby.

Calling themselves a home to "modern British cuisine served in an intimate and relaxed environment", the Hide and Fox has also been ranked as the 12th best in Europe.

It also found its way into the Michelin Guide foodie bible in 2021, with inspectors describing it as a venue that "celebrates all the best things about Kent".