A chef at an award-winning hotel has made it through to the knockout stages of a TV cooking competition.

Tom Hamblet, sous chef at South Lodge in Horsham was selected for MasterChef: The Professionals after cooking in Michelin-starred kitchens.

The 24-year-old currently works at the hotel’s restaurant Camellia, which has received three AA Rosettes, an award for culinary excellence.

Tom has honed his skills at a number of renowned restaurants including Pennyhill Park in Surrey, a sister hotel to South Lodge.

Passion for cooking runs in Tom’s family and his dad is a top chef at South Lodge and his mum specialises as a pastry chef.

A spokesman for South Lodge said: “Tom’s ambition has led him to participate in MasterChef: The Professionals.

“It is a significant opportunity to showcase his skills and make his family proud.”

  • MasterChef: The Professionals continues with Knockout Week and Tom returns to our screens on Thursday at 9pm on BBC One.
  • The series is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.