Yorkshire is fast becoming the foodie capital of Britain, says a leading chef – and he’s going on national TV to prove it.

Tim Bilton is so sure of his county’s cuisine that he’s pitting it against all comers on the BBC2 series Great British Menu.

“I’m proud to be representing God’s Own County on the show, and confident of doing well,” said Tim, who runs The Butchers Arms in Hepworth, near Huddersfield.

“Here in Yorkshire we have the finest ingredients, the best producers and the most discerning diners. Jamie, Heston and Gordon cook some good stuff, but it’s never quite up to our standards!”

Celebrating the wealth of delicious produce grown, reared and fished across the UK, the fifth series of Great British Menu will see Tim competing against 23 of Britain’s top chefs for the opportunity to cook a glorious banquet.

This year the guest list for the banquet will be made up of some of the best British food producers and suppliers from around the country.

The 2010 Great British Menu will retain its distinctive format, with a few twists. This year, three great culinary talents will battle it out in the regional heats – Tim will be competing in the North East region. Great British Menu will be shown on BBC2, from Monday April 5 at 6.30pm.

It is a great honour to be among the select few chosen to compete in the high-profile series. Previous contestants have included Antony Worrall Thompson, Gary Rhodes and John Burton Race.

Tim intends to batter the opposition with a menu bursting with fare sourced from producers close to his restaurant. And there’s not a Yorkshire pudding in sight. However, the newly crowned Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb, with its Protected Destination of Origin EU status (PDO), is also staring on Tim’s menu.

He kicks off his campaign with a recipe of wild North Yorkshire rabbit with a baby leaf and cress salad. The ingredients include cured York ham, Yorkshire quail’s eggs and Black Sheep beer from Masham. Also on Tim’s menu is Venison from Fountains Abbey and an intriguingly named recipe which Tim calls ‘A Day at the Seaside’.

This will be judged by one of last year’s Great British Menu winners, Nigel Haworth – from rival county Lancashire.

“It’s such a delicious combination of textures and flavours that even a Lancashire chef will be impressed,” said Tim, Yorkshire Chef of the Year 2009.

“I’m hoping he’ll take one mouthful and declare: ‘That’s champion!’”