A NORTH-EAST man was pipped at the post yesterday in the final of a national contest to find the GNER Chef of the Year.

David Buchanan, from Durham, took third place in the event at the York Festival of Food and Drink.

He was beaten by Patrick Wells, from London, who won, and Pavlo Tirchas, of Edinburgh, who was runner-up.

In joint third with Mr Buchanan was Steve Baxter, from Leeds.

The finalists took part in a cook-off against the clock in the Festival Food Theatre, in St Sampson's Square.

The chefs had two hours to prepare a three-course meal for four people, which could be prepared and served on a GNER train.

Judges included TV chef Brian Turner.