A Sidmouth chef has earned a place in the finals of a national contest aiming to change the perception of seaside dining.

Stuart White, of the Victoria Hotel, will compete for the title of Seaside Chef of the Year after impressing judges with his innovative dishes and passion for sourcing local produce.

He will go up against Anthony Greenland, of the Best Western Vine Hotel, Skegness, in a cook-off on Sunday, November 15, at Aspect Bar and Bistro in Morecambe - the organisers of the competition.

Stuart grew up within 10 miles of the Victoria Hotel, where his family members worked 40 years ago, and said his seafood-based menu is inspired by ingredients from the local area.

He added: “Spending my childhood in the great outdoors gave me an understanding of why the West Country offers such fantastic ingredients. The fresh warm air, rich soil, refreshing spring water and lack of pollution all make for fabulous produce.”

Stuart’s love of food is also down to days spent mackerel fishing with his father and hiking on Dartmoor.

Food award 2014 winner, Aspect Bar and Bistro, started the competition in a bid to change the image of food served in Britain’s seaside resorts.

Judges asked chefs to submit a three-course menu showcasing local produce, which also demonstrated innovative approaches and a commitment to quality. The finals will be judged by Aspect and guest judge, The Boho Chef, Stefano Corvucci, who is flying in from Bologna.

Paul Bury, of Aspect Bar and Bistro, said: “We feel we have found two excellent champions for seaside food in Stuart and Anthony, who share our desire to change perceptions of the dining experience seaside resorts provide, which is far from being fish and chips and candy floss these days.”