A CHEF who has become the region’s prince of pasta will be displaying his skills for a discerning audience next week.

Lee Gardner, 36, came top in pasta preparation and presentation among a host of chefs from Scottish and North of England hotels within the Marriott Hotel group.

The contest was part of a UK-wide training programme, teaching hotel chefs how to make perfect Italian fare.

More than 60 Marriott chefs were trained to prepare fresh pasta and risotto by the Italian culinarian, Silvia Maccari.

The best from were selected to cook at a lunch at the chain’s leading venue, the Park Lane Marriott, in London, on Wednesday.

Mr Gardner, senior sous chef at Durham’s Marriott Royal County Hotel, was selected from 11 chefs attending Ms Maccari’s masterclass in Edinburgh.

As regional winner, his responsibility includes teaching nine chefs at the Royal County to follow the techniques he learned.

Mr Gardner, from Newton Hall, Durham, said: “The training was a real eyeopener and exceptionally useful. It was great to have training from such an expert, who has been cooking pasta virtually from childhood.

“I’m now looking forward to perfecting my cannelloni.”

Diners at the Royal County will benefit from his expertise as the Marriott group launches a pasta promotion later this year.