A local chef is testing his skills against those from around the country as he is to appear on The Great British Menu this year.

Daniel Smith, the owner of the Ingham Swan, is to appear on the BBC 2’s professional cookery contest around the period of late summer or early autumn.

Mr Smith will attempt to impress the judges and win a chance to cook at a historic banquet in the Palace of Westminster to honour the Queen’s “Great Britons”.

Each of the eight regional winners from weekly heats, judged by Matthew Fort, Prue Leith and Oliver Peyton, will compete in the National Finals for the chance to serve a starter, main or dessert in the historic House of Commons Members Dining Room.

Filming has already taken place and Mr Smith cannot yet reveal how he fared or what he cooked.

He said: “It was an incredible experience, extremely stressful during the time I filmed as all eyes were on me, but extremely rewarding.

“I was very surprised to get the call. It is not a show you can volunteer yourself to take part in, it is something they contact you about.

“And to think of all the great chefs who have once appeared on the show I am extremely grateful to be called up.”

Mr Smith will represent the Central region competing against Danny Gill from Lincolnshire and Oxfordshire’s Andrew Scott.

Born in Caister, Daniel’s first hospitality related roles included serving ice-cream and candy floss at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach and working in the kitchens at the Imperial Hotel.

After completing a catering course at Great Yarmouth College he got his big break at 2-star Michelin restaurant, Le Gavroche, working alongside “Le Roux” trained chefs.

He also runs the Wilderbeest and the Warwick Street Social, both in Norwich.

His father and former mayor of Great Yarmouth Tony Smith recently died.

Mr Smith said his father was able to see a sneak preview of his appearance on television and the rest of his family were looking forward to watching him on the television.