A MILITARY chef will be setting himself one of the biggest culinary challenges of his career this week.

Senior Aircraftman Chris Matthews will be attempting to impress the discerning palates of diners at London's Savoy.

SAC Matthews, a member of the catering team at RAF Leeming, was nominated to take part in the Gordon Ramsay Experience following his success in competitions during the past year.

He won a tough catering event sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Chefs, and also achieved Best in Class for his senior lamb dish at the Combined Services Culinary Challenge.

Now the 28-year-old is hoping that the Gordon Ramsay Experience will allow him to take his cooking skills to another level.

For two days, he will work in the Savoy kitchen, helping to prepare lunch and evening meals.

"I was shocked to hear that I had been chosen for this, but I'm really looking forward to it - it should be a good experience," he said.

"I'm feeling nervous about it because I have never worked on such a big scale and Gordon Ramsay is someone I really admire - I have even used one of his dishes in a competition."