MASTERCHEF Mat Follas is to star at the Bridport Food Festival fresh from a masterclass with top chef Raymond Blanc.

Speculation that Mat, from Rampisham, was to be offered a job with the two Michelin-starred Raymond Blanc was unfounded but following the publicity the Frenchman offered the new TV star a day’s work experience.

Mr Follas, pictured right, said: “It’s not a job, it’s a day’s experience. I think it may have been due to the fact that I didn’t make anything out of the publicity and it may just have been a thank you. They asked me if I wanted to spend a day with him and obviously I do. I am really looking forward to it.”

He was also looking forward to his involvement with the Bridport Food Festival event.

“I have been getting loads and loads of offers but we are choosing very carefully. If it is local and the right sort of thing then we will be involved.” He will also be at the Melplash Show in August and at the Cattistock world championship knob throwing on May 3, as well as in the Chef’s Theatre at the June Bridport Food Festival.

At the Cattistock event Mr Follas will be manning a stall with a friend selling a few of his own products and some local barbecued pig, along with 40 or so other local food producers.

“It is raising money for charities, like the local playground, which I am always keen to support,” he said.

He has also been asked to open the Exeter Food Festival this weekend and on Friday will be going head to head with last year’s Masterchef winner James Nathan in a cooking challenge to be televised live on Spotlight TV.