Martin's win came after an adjudicated 'cook-off' where he beat off stiff competition, including his colleague Jonny Barr, who finished overall runner-up in the competition. Martin's menu came out on top, as the judges were particularly impressed by his starter of 'Devil on Horseback' and main of poached duck breast with duck crackling. With more than 10 years experience, Martin has worked in a number of rosette-rated kitchens and, after first joining Thistle Haydock restaurant in St. Helens in 2006, he has helped the restaurant to also achieve a rosette standard. Speaking of his recent accolade, Martin said: "We have a great tourism industry here in St Helens and I'm thrilled to have been recognised for my part in it by St. Helens Council. Working as a chef is much more than just a job to me, it's something I live and breathe, so I'm truly honoured to have won the title Chef of the Year." General manager of the Thistle Haydock hotel, Kim Burrows said: "Martin has always been a highly valued member of our kitchen team and it's great to see him deservedly recognised by the Council. We are extremely lucky to have Martin at Thistle Haydock and I am very proud of him and his achievement."