ILKLEY Michelin star chef, Simon Gueller, has invited an injured soldier to spend a day at his restaurant in preparation for a competition between wounded, injured and sick heroes.

Gareth Kendall, of Halifax, is one of six servicemen, women and veterans taking part in a cook off, devised by Swinton Park luxury castle hotel, near Masham, and sponsored by Yorkshire Game.

He will spend tomorrow at the Box Tree restaurant getting tips before he has to reproduce it himself the following day against the clock and against his fellow competitors.

Chef Mr Gueller and his wife Rena, have owned the Box Tree for almost ten years and held a Michelin star throughout that time.

During a training day held last month at Swinton Park cookery school, he spent time getting to know his trainee.