WEAVER Vale’s new MP is calling on residents to nominate the best pub chef in the constituency for a national competition.

Mike Amesbury wants the best pub chef in the area to enter into the 2018 Parliamentary Pub Chef Award, which is run by the British Beer and Pub Association.

The winning chef will win £500 and be presented with the award in the House of Commons.

Mr Amesbury said: “Our area has many fantastic pubs and pub chefs, and this is a great opportunity to highlight this on the national stage.

“I’d encourage anyone interested to nominate their favourite – not just because it is an opportunity for our chefs to get the recognition they deserve, but because it is also a great way to raise the profile of our pubs and pub industry more generally.

“As MP for Weaver Vale, I’ll be doing all I can in parliament to help our beer and pub industry thrive. There is currently a shortage of pub chefs nationally – and this competition can help raise the profile of this varied and rewarding career.”

Nominations can be sent to mike.amesbury.mp@parliament.uk in an email with the name of the chef, the pub they work at, and a few short paragraphs on why they deserve the prize.

Residents can also get in touch by sending a message at facebook.com/mikeamesburymp

Nominations must be sent by October 13, with MPs’ nominations to be sent on October 27 for judging.

The pub must be in the Weaver Vale constituency and the chef must consent to the nomination.