THE artisan bag manufacturer John Chapman has recruited Cumbria's latest celebrity chef to help promote its brand.

Kevin Tickle has agreed to become a 'brand ambassador' for the firm, which produces hand-made canvas and leather shoulder bags, luggage, rucksacks and fishing bags from its factory at Harraby Green Business Park, Carlisle.

Mr Tickle is a protégé of Cumbria's most famous chef, Simon Rogan of L'Enclume in Cartmel, and is now head chef in his own right at Forest Side, Grasmere, where he has just been awarded a coveted Michelin star.

Like his mentor, Mr Tickle makes use of ingredients foraged from the Cumbrian countryside and now has a bespoke foraging bag produced by John Chapman.

Mr Tickle said: “Working with John Chapman has been a real pleasure. You can clearly see from what they produce that they believe in what they do. That’s something I can readily relate t

“I’m looking forward to a long and fruitful collaboration.’’

Daniel Chamier, chief executive of John Chapman, added: “When we met Kevin we discovered that world class cuisine and bag making have a good deal in common.

“We both select, prepare, transform, finish and present high quality ingredients, with an exceptional end product – except you can’t eat our bags.’’