Elaine MaslinA children's doctor from Norfolk has made it through to the semi-finals of BBC1's MasterChef programme. Dr Tim Kinnaird, 36, left his job with Norfolk Community Health Care at the end of February after joining135 contestants picked from thousands of hopefuls in the television competition for Britain's top amateur chef.Elaine Maslin

A children's doctor from Norfolk has made it through to the semi-finals of BBC1's MasterChef programme.

Dr Tim Kinnaird, 36, left his job with Norfolk Community Health Care at the end of February after joining

135 contestants picked from thousands of hopefuls in the television competition for Britain's top amateur chef.

Speaking on the show, aired on Friday, he said after 15 years as a full- time paediatrician he now hopes to run a restaurant.

He cooked a pork escallop and then a piece of hake fish, beating five other contestants in his round to the place in the semi-final.

Speaking after winning the heat on the show he said: "It is like some sort of crazy dream. I can't believe I'm standing here drinking champagne with you guys.

"I want to win MasterChef - this is just the start."

Earlier, Dr Kinnaird, who lives near Dereham, said: "I can't be a full-time paediatrician and run a restaurant. Food is the framework of my life."

Dr Kinnaird was due to compete in the quarter-finals due to be screened on BBC1 yesterday.

Breckland Council is running a junior Masterchef competition for aspiring chefs aged 14 to 18.

To enter, children must submit details of a three-course meal that they enjoy cooking and say why. The best 25 will go through to area heats and have to cook their meal, followed by a final and another cook-off.

The winner will win a one-to-one cookery lesson with Tina Pemberton, head chef at Brovey Lair restaurant in Ovington, near Watton.

For more information contact Richard Wills on 01362 656344.