Raithwaite Estate is delighted to announce the arrival of Tom Rennolds, all-round happy chappy and finalist of BBC MasterChef 2012.

Tom joins the team at Raithwaite, recently voted Hotel of the Year at the Visit York Tourism Awards, having taken on the role as Executive Chef for Skelwith Leisure Group, the owners and developers of some of Yorkshire's grandest projects: Raithwaite Estate, The Flaxby and the Curious Plum.

'I am delighted to be joining Raithwaite at a very important time in the development of the Estate. Raithwaite now has a variety of luxury cottages, two small luxury hotels of the world and a ultra-private and opulent six-bedroom lake house.

It is becoming very well known, both locally and further afield, so I'm looking forward to gaining some awards here for the hotel and setting the standard for Skelwith Leisure projects.'

Yorkshire born Tom has been working at the Aspire venue in Leeds as executive chef for the past 18 months.

Tom studied professional cookery at the age of 22 whilst working a full time job as a self-employed plasterer. After catering college, Tom went on to work at the Michelin starred Boxtree restaurant for several months to gain valuable experience.

After becoming 2012 finalist in the BBC MasterChef competition, Tom worked in many prestigious restaurants to gain further experience, including Alain Ducasse's restaurant at The Dorchester, Tom's kitchen and Restaurant Gordon Ramsey.

Work has begun on Tom's next adventure for the Skelwith Group, newly named the Curious Plum, located in a small village called Husthwaite, just outside of York.

In the meantime, Tom has just created his summer menu, with a new menu due to be announced in September.