A CHEF has been awarded a sought-after AA Rosette for his hotel restaurant.

Mike Collom, 58, head chef at Widbrook Grange, Bradford on Avon, won the award after an AA inspection earlier this year.

Mr Collom has been a chef for about 20 years, working in restaurants all over the south west.

He said: "This is a unique place because it has its own atmosphere.

"I try to use simple, good-quality ingredients and as many local products as possible. I've been in the business for a while and I know and trust my west country suppliers.

Second in command at Widbrook Grange is Robert Harwood, 20.

Mr Collom said: "Myself and Robert try not to make things too complicated with heavy sauces when you've got great ingredients you just need to enhance the flavour not mask it."

Hotel proprietor Peter Wragg said he was delighted the chef's hard work had been recognised.

He said: "To get an award like this you must achieve a consistently high quality.

"In the past year our non-resident business has gone through the roof.

"It's great to get acknowledgement from the industry that we're doing a good job."

Only four per cent of UK restaurants have been awarded rosettes.

The AA says rosettes are given to restaurants serving food prepared with care, understanding and skill, and using quality ingredients.