A chef who started out pot washing aged 13 is delighted to finally be realising a long-term dream - and opening his own restaurant.

Derek Boardman, 41, has teamed up with Nicola Beetson. The pair will be opening 41 Market Place in Cockermouth tonight.

They will be open five evenings a week and also Sunday lunchtime, offering "contemporary casual" food, using lots of local produce.

The duo met at a Buttermere hotel, where Derek, from Workington, was head chef and Nicola, from Australia, was manager.

They both worked there for more than five years - until last August.

Derek, who went to catering college and has worked at various venues - including as head chef at Hunday Manor and Tarantella, said: "In the hospitality industry it's so difficult to get staff. I was in charge of the kitchen and Nicola was hotel manager, staffing was always an issue.

"We wanted to set up a small business which we can run ourselves."

Nicola has run many pubs in Australia. They have lots of plans.

"We are hoping to achieve fine dining but in an informal and relaxed atmosphere," said Derek.

"We will try our best to get an AA rosette, that's our goal.

"We shall be championing local produce. There's Herdwick lamb on the menu, we're also going to be using the trawlers at Maryport. We have a local farmer who will supply us with some of our veg."

They are delighted to be opening in Cockermouth, where they both live.

"I think Cockermouth is a fantastic town," said Derek.

"We need more businesses opening here, to get it thriving again.

"We want to bring people back."

They have had a warm reception from their neighbours in Market Place.

In the future they plan to connect with local people producing fruit, veg and herbs.

"We'd like to create a bartering scheme whereby they provide produce in return for perhaps a dessert or drinks, we want people to feel they're part of the restaurant," said Derek.

They plan to run 41 Market Place on their own, with occasional help from Derek's partner, Rachel Martin.