THE head chef at the Feversham Arms Hotel, in Helmsley, has been welcomed into the Master Chefs of Great Britain.

Norman MacKenzie was nominated by current Master Chef Murray Chapman, and endorsed by three members of the board.

The decision is based on reputation and work throughout the nominee’s career and is regarded as a great honour.

Norman has a passion for foraging and utilising local produce in the dishes he creates, also been accepted into the Craft Guild of Chefs.

He said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be named a Master Chef. It’s a fantastic feeling to know that a well-respected Master Chef Murray Chapman has taken time from his day to nominate me and that this was endorsed by other highly-respected board members.”

Throughout his career the head chef at the Feversham Arms Hotel has given back to the industry with a passion for mentoring people and believes that young talent should be nurtured and helped to grow and this was recognised as he was named Hospitality Guild Mentor of the year 2012/13.

Charles Merchie, general manager at the Feversham Arms Hotel, said: “We are very proud of Norman and this accomplishment. We pride ourselves in the high standard of staff at our hotel and Norman’s achievement in becoming a Master Chef is testament to this.”