A TORRINGTON teenager who four years ago was washing dishes in a pub has secured a job with a celebrity chef.

Martin Ayre, 18, left his job at the Cranford Inn at St Giles in the Wood last week to take up a new position as junior chef at Rick Stein's Seafood Restaurant in Padstow.

He follows in the footsteps of former Cranford employee, Tom Turner, who left the pub last year to join Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines and his team at Gidleigh Park.

The job is a dream come true for Martin who has wanted to be a chef since he started cooking with his mum Susan, aged seven.

He said: "I'm loving it. I never thought I would make it this far and this is a huge opportunity for me.

"The first week has been hard work, getting used to the long hours, but one of the chefs said he was impressed by how well I've stuck it out.

"I have learnt so much and I've only been there a week. I spent the first couple of days watching people and it is just amazing what they can pull off."

He said on Saturday the team produced 205 covers, which was the most ever served.

Martin was given a one-day trial in the Michelin-starred restaurant after his hospitality and catering lecturer at Petroc in Tiverton set the opportunity up for him.

Within half a day working in Padstow, Martin had been offered the job.

He said: "It is a little surreal. I can't believe it.

"I love doing it and love food — it is what I've always wanted to do.

"It allows me to experiment and think on my feet while being creative."

Martin did work experience at the Cranford Inn while at school and was offered a job washing dishes.

He said he always looked in envy at the pub's chefs and began helping out with basic preparation.

He said: "Head chef, Frankie Gayette, just taught me so much."

The Cranford Inn is run by Charlotte Lock and Paul Duffy. Charlotte's dad Steve Lock, who is the bar manager, appeared on the ITV show, Britain's Best Dish last year.

He said: "We run a training programme here which Martin was involved with. He also went to East Devon College in Tiverton to do a catering course after completing his studies at Great Torrington School.

"He is a farmer's son who used to deliver potatoes to us with his dad. We saw a spark there. Martin has spent four years working hard and now he is going to a premier restaurant. It is much deserved."