Gregg Wallace, presenter of TV's Masterchef, used his stay at The Bath Arms in Crockerton to pass on his knowledge, advice and stories to diners last night.

Mr Wallace was staying at the pub for a few days to catch up with his friend of 20 years, Dean Carr, the pub’s owner and chef, and they decided to make a question and answer and dinner event.

Around 93 people sampled Mr Carr’s signature sticky beef, followed by banana sponge, and took part in a quiz before listening to Mr Wallace.

He was working as a greengrocer when he met Mr Carr over 20 years ago and supplied the vegetables to Avenue restaurant in London, where Mr Carr was working.

He said: “I had a business go under and I started again on a farm in Surrey. A few people helped me and Dean was one of them. Dean used to say ‘come down and see me’.

“We would see each other four or five times a week. I always enjoyed Dean’s company and I like to come here and stay. It is a really nice part of the world.”

Mr Carr said: “We always kept in touch and see each other a couple of times a year. People asked questions about him, Masterchef and what foods he liked. It was a good night all round.”