A CHEF at a York hotel has been inspired by the Eat Local campaign to incorporate local goods into his menu.

Andrew Bingham, head chef of the Dean Court Hotel, was set the challenge by hotel boss David Brooks to come up with an exciting menu for the Evening Press/Dean Court Eat Local Banquet next month.

When Andrew had a look at what was on offer locally, he had a real surprise.

"I was really pleasantly surprised when I got the suppliers' listings, I haven't really had the opportunity to use a lot of local produce before, this has been a real eye-opener."

The hotel has now released the menu for the prestigious event celebrating the best of Yorkshire food to be held at Dean Court on May 15.

Andrew added: "There is such a broad range of food on offer in the area it's been really interesting for me to work on." He is determined to make sure Dean Court continues using the local goods in the future.

He said: "It is definitely good to support local producers, but working in a business, my job is to also make sure everything is the right quality.

"I am really confident from what I have seen so far. I am really looking forward to getting my hands on the goods and working with it all to really test it. I intend to use this menu as a benchmark for the future."

Evening Press readers, who have already made the Eat Local competition such a success, can try Yorkshire's best, specially-prepared by Andrew, and his team at the Eat Local Banquet.

A limited number of tickets are available for the exclusive event at the Dean Court, a Best Western Hotel - so book now to have your chance, at the great price of only £35 per guest.

Seats can be reserved by phoning the Dean Court Hotel on 01904 625082, by fax on 01904 620305 or emailing sales@deancourt-york.co.uk.

Keep your nominations coming in for the Eat Local competition, your chance to recognise your favourite local produce, and the very best of the region's food.

Updated: 10:42 Saturday, April 26, 2003