Miele has chosen top chef Nigel Smith to act as its own executive chef in a deal that will see him attend a variety of company events.

As part of his collaboration with Miele, Mr Smith - who is chief patron at The Villa country house hotel and restaurant in Wrea Green, Lancashire - will attend Miele Simply Cooking events, provide cookery demonstrations and promote the company at the Grand Designs exhibition in May.

He will also support Miele’s events manager with the future opening of regional cookery schools and develop recipes for the cookery schools and the Miele website.

Said Miele marketing director Dominic Worsley: “Nigel is the perfect choice for our executive chef. His passion for the brand, love of food and creative flair are a compelling combination and we are very much looking forward to working with him throughout this exciting year.”