One of Accrington’s finest chefs has been showing off his skills in the latest series of Masterchef: The Professionals.

Dan Merriman is off to a blinding start in the competition, impressing judges with his simple but perfectly executed cooking.

Judges Gregg Wallace, Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti have so far had no complaints with Dan, whose food was described as “exceptional”.

Marcus stated, “I am not leaving until I have finished this” in response to Dan’s garlic inspired starter.

Dan said: “Going on MasterChef has always been a dream of mine, but I only had the confidence to do it when I found out my partner was expecting our first baby.

“I want to provide for her and my family, I think this will push me and my career.

"Even though I’m terrified, it’s worth it for the chance to learn and show who I am as a chef.”

He described his cooking style as looking simple, but being technically complicated, as he hopes to get the best possible flavour out of ingredients and using a variety of techniques.

The 29-year-old has now been a chef for 12 years and has worked in award winning restaurants including Michelin-starred Plas Bodegroes, The AA 3-Rosette Cottage in the Wood, Fishmore Hall in Ludlow and most recently Northcote in Langho.

He added: “My dishes are a reflection of me, they show where I’ve worked, and what I’ve learnt along the way.”

Originating from Worcestershire, he grew up on a council estate as the eldest of five boys and started working in kitchens to earn money but quickly found it to be his passion.

Now living in Accrington with his partner Chloe and their baby boy Ernest, he works at the Black Bull Inn in Old Langho, which has become renowned in the area for its quality cookery.

Dan said: “I never thought about food as a career. I grew up with frozen foods and the odd Chinese.

"My mum was a single mum to five boys so she cooked quick and easy meals that would leave us with full bellies.

“I had to get a job and start earning money, so I started working in a kitchen. I was so lucky to have an amazing mentor who gave me opportunities.

“I remember the first time I learnt how to bake bread, just something simple, but that was it. I was obsessed and it inspired me to become a chef.”

Outside of cooking Dan enjoys spending time with his family as well as music, darts, snooker and BMX.