A COTSWOLD chef has made it through to knockout week of a popular BBC cooking show.

Wayne Sullivan, head chef at The Old Stocks Inn in Stow-on-the-Wold, made it through both the heats and the quarter final of Masterchef: The Professionals.

Mr Sullivan beat five other chefs to qualify from his heat last Wednesday (November 23) to compete as one of the six best chefs of the week.

Jim Cockell, owner of The Old Stocks Inn, said: "As a business we are so proud of everything Wayne has achieved so far in the competition.

"He has come across as really humble on the show which is what we see in him every day, he is not afraid to receive feedback from us and our customers.

"Wayne joined us earlier this year and very quickly started the Masterchef process.

"We are really glad that Wayne has done well as we see that in the quality of food he produces everyday here."

Last Thursday Mr Sullivan progressed through the quarter final after being asked to reinvent a steak and kidney pie before cooking a two-course menu of his own design.

His meal impressed the judges including MasterChef stalwart Gregg Wallace, Monica Galetti and Michelin-starred Marcus Wareing.

He also had to impress food critics, William Sitwell, Jay Rayner and Tracey MacLeod.

The former Gloucestershire College and Cheltenham Bournside School pupil began as one of 48 chefs to be chosen for the show.

Twelve chefs make it to knockout week and the number will be completed after tomorrow's (Thursday's) quarter final has taken place.

He will next be on TV on Tuesday December 6 when the chefs have a surprise selection of ingredients to create one savoury dish.

To test them further, the judges have removed all the modern equipment from the kitchen.

The four weakest chefs then have to cook off again for the final two places in the next round.

The semi-finalists will then be decided on Thursday December 8.