A pub chef from Hampton has made the top 50 cut in a competition which sees MPs nominating chefs from all over the country.

Twickenham MP Tania Mathias nominated Geo Bassani Lima, head chef and general manager at The Hampton, in the Parliamentary Pub Chef of the Year 2016 competition.

Mr Lima, who finds out if he has been successful early next year, was told on December 18 that he has made the nationwide top 50.

The 27-year-old chef, originally from Brazil but now living in Hampton, said: "I was nominated by Tania Mathias because of what we have been doing in the last 18 months.

"To be in the top 50 is amazing, especially when you consider what the pub used to be like compared to what it is like now.

"When I took over, it was considered one of the worst performing pubs in south-east England and the community was desperate for good food and good service.

"People are really appreciative of what we are doing and it is an amazing achievement for the whole team.

"It isn't about Geo, it isn't about Tania Mathias, this is about the whole Hampton community because if it wasn't for the customers, we couldn't have done it.

"The food speaks for itself and people are travelling from up to 15 miles away to come here."

The Hampton was also honoured with a Good Food award in September.

Dr Mathias added: "Geo is an outstanding chef who is proud to have made The Hampton a local destination as well as attracting people from further afield.

"We are lucky he chose Hampton as he has helped to put this special area including the vibrant Hampton Square market on the map."

Mr Lima has also been included in the top 20 for Young Chef of the Year 2016, open to chefs under 30.