A HAMPSHIRE pub chef has been celebrating after showcasing his food on national television.

James Durrant, head chef and owner of The Plough Inn in Longparish near Andover, was one of four finalists to be selected to present their food for the ninth series of BBC Two’s Great British Menu.

Mr Durrant was selected amongst other catering professionals to cook the main course for this year’s host, Prime Minister David Cameron, and his guests.

The theme for the banquet was World War Two and the final aired in time to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings yesterday (June 6).

In a speech made to D-Day veterans the Right Honourable David Cameron said: "My generation, this country, we enjoy freedom, we enjoy democracy because of the sacrifices your generation made and we must never forget that.”

The three dishes were served to an audience of wartime heroes at St Paul’s Cathedral after eight top chefs from regions around the UK battled it out over the last few weeks to get their place in the finals.

Mr Durrant, who runs the pub with his wife Louise, represented the North West where he is originally from.

Among this year’s guests are Winston Churchill’s granddaughter Celia Sandys, former banquet winner and judge Tom Kerridge and D-Day veterans Ken Sturdy and George Batts; one of Churchill's War Cabinet secretaries, Joy Hunter; and Bletchley Park cypher clerk Baroness Trumpington.