A TOP television chef has been appointed as the first food tourism ambassador for Hampshire.

James Durrant, chef patron at The Plough Inn, in Longparish, was given the role, which is believed to be the first of its kind in England, and is part of a move to put Hampshire on the map as a place where visitors experience "England at its finest".

The BBC2'S Great British Menu winner, whose pub is in the Top 50 Gastropubs in the UK, was appointed as the voluntary inaugural food tourism ambassador by Visit Hampshire - Hampshire County Council's tourism website.

It is designed to highlight the county as a top tourism destination in the UK and a producer of exceptional food and drink.

James will champion the best dining experiences, talent, suppliers and growers that Hampshire has to offer, in a bid to boost tourism to the county.

He said: "Hampshire's a great place to escape to, especially for people living in London. It's got that slower pace of life you'd want for your down time, but also really good quality places to eat and stay. It's that combination that makes it special."

Councillor Seán Woodward, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for economy, transport and environment, said: “It is fantastic news that tourism brings in £3billion each year to Hampshire, and local produce and original restaurants are some of the elements that make Hampshire unique for visitors and residents alike.

"It’s great news that James Durrant will be Visit Hampshire’s first Food Tourism Ambassador. James’ extensive experience as a chef and his local knowledge of Hampshire will highlight the top food attractions, restaurants and produce grown in the county. His work with Visit Hampshire will help the tourism economy by illustrating another reason to visit the county.”

James' first role as ambassador will be to take a taste of the county into the city, when he will host an exclusive dinner in London for top-tier travel, food and lifestyle journalists at Angela Hartnett's restaurant Merchants Tavern.

The event will give the journalists the chance to experience the food of the region and whet their appetite to visit Hampshire.

James will create a regionally inspired menu and source ingredients from Hampshire’s larder working with artisan suppliers.

He will be joined by four other top Hampshire chefs who will each cook a course, including Luke Holder of Lime Wood in the New Forest, Andres Alemany of The Purefoy Arms in Preston Candover and David Wykes of Verveine in Milford-on-Sea.

James is also part of Visit Hampshire’s Great Hampshire People campaign which celebrates well-known people who love living in Hampshire.

James is joined on the campaign by David ‘Freddie’ Carr and Matt Cornwell who are both part of the UK’s bid for the Americas Cup World Series in Portsmouth in July; Marylyn Abbott, one of the world’s greatest garden creators, whose garden at West Green House, near Odiham, also hosts one of the most prestigious country house opera seasons in England; James Golding, head chef of the acclaimed kitchens at The Pig in Brockenhurst whose menu is famously grown, collected and foraged within the grounds or sourced locally from a 25 mile radius; and Jimmy Adams, captain of Hampshire Cricket Team.

For more information about James and his role as Hampshire’s food tourism ambassador, visit visit-hampshire.co.uk.