Liam Dillon and Harvey Perttola were among four chefs doing battle in the Central region heats for series 17 of the Great British Menu. The show sees professional chefs from around the country showcase their culinary talents through regional heats to earn a place in the nationwide finals.

All the chefs are competing for this year's prize of cooking a course at a banquet celebrating the 100th anniversary of the BBC's first wireless programme.

Dillon is the owner of The Boat Inn in Lichfield, which holds three AA Rosettes and is listed in the Michelin Guide. This series marks a second appearance on the Great British Menu for him after being eliminated during the regional heats last year. 

Perttola, head chef of Restaurant Six at Nottingham's famous Trent Bridge cricket ground, made his debut appearance in the competition.

Kali Davidson, head of the Birmingham College of Food, said: "We are really proud of the achievements of our alumni Liam and Harvey. It is great to see them excelling in the industry and having the confidence to appear on television showcasing the food they enjoy cooking. 

"The Great British Menu allows them the platform to further advance in their careers, and it allows our learners at University College Birmingham to aspire to these heights."