A CUMBRIAN chef has been given the opportunity to cook for ' British institution' Mary Berry in a new series on BBC 2.

Harrison Ward, better known as Fell Foodie, cooked up a storm for non-other than Dame Mary Berry as the pair embarked on a day in the Lakes for Mary’s brand-new BBC Two show ‘Mary Berry: Love To Cook’.

Talking about Mary’s trip up North to Cumbria, Harrison said she wasn’t short of praise for the county,he said: “It was a pleasure to welcome her to the Lakes, I couldn’t quite believe she'd made the journey just to film with me for the day. Mary was full of praise for the views, the way of life and the Cumbrian spirit, she had very fond memories of previous trips.

“She couldn't believe I was wearing shorts out on the hills ”

Fell Foodie was approached to host Mary in Cumbria after Harrison opened up on social media back in 2018, about his struggles with obesity and alcohol addiction.

His talent, skills and openness have led him to become one of the Lakes best-known media personalities.

Chatting ahead of the episode airing, Harrison said: “It gets harder to comprehend how my life used to be when moments like this happen. Five years ago I was on track to drinking myself into an early grace, penniless and with zero fitness to run for a bus let alone head up the hills. I was very proud to be able to share my story of battling depression, obesity and alcoholism on national television.

“It's hard not to look up to Dame Mary Berry, her longevity and impact on the industry has been monumental. I think anyone in the food industry would love to have even a tenth of her success and legacy.

“She is like a British institution, it was an honour to be in her company,”

Harrison’s episode will air on BBC Two at 8 pm on Thursday 2nd Dec 2021, with a second airing on Saturday 4th December on BBC One at 11:30 am.