A PUB owner is taking part in a national cooking competition for amateur chefs alongside a St Helens entrepreneur who sent the first pie into space.

Graham Roberts, who owns The Red Cat in Crank, joined former Wigan Athletics chairman Bill Kenyon to take part in Channel 4’s competitive cooking show, My Kitchen Rules UK, with their episode airing on Thursday, September 28 at 4pm.

The pair represent Lancashire in the second series of the show, presented by Michelin Star restaurateur Glynn Purnell and renowned food Rachel Allen , that over eight weeks will test 20 pairs of cooks from across the four regions of the UK – with one scooping a £10,000 prize and the right to say, ‘My Kitchen Rules.’

Publican Graham, 57, said: “We named our pop up restaurant on the show The Lancashire Lounge and alongside my regular customer Bill we went against others, inspired by local food.

“Bill was behind the first pie being sent into space and he was approached by people to get involved, and after his wife said no he asked me because we are both foodies.

“It was very tiring and long days but it was very exciting to be part of.

“Some of the things on The Red Cat menu even made an appearance so people can come and same the food off the TV.

“I hope people watch the show and root for us.”

The competition, which started on Monday, September 25, will see the strongest teams from each region go through to the new MKR Mansion, where their culinary skills will be put to the test as they are joined every day by a different world-renowned chef or culinary guru.

The winning teams will then make it to Kitchen Headquarters for a cook-off challenge which will see one team crowned champion.

The show will be show every weekday at 4pm.