A CHEF who spent years working in Michelin star restaurants is hoping his new recipe blog will inspire Inverclyde people to cook up a storm.

Benjamin Egan launched '17Ngon' over lockdown - a recipe blog billed as a fusion of his travels of Asia and his passion for local produce.

Trained in French classical cuisine, Benjamin, who comes from Birmingham originally but now lives in Greenock, hopes that the recipes are easy to follow, offer healthy meals for all the family and will be an opportunity to try proper Asian-inspired cuisine.

The 33-year-old said: "I've been fortunate enough to travel Asia and also work in some of the best restaurants in England.

"The idea to start the blog was a way for me to share recipes and things I've picked up over my travels and share them with people to encourage them to get cooking.

"The word 'Ngon' is Vietnamese for delicious, which is where the name of the blog came from.

"I've had a really good response so far.

"People are saying they've been giving some of the recipes a go and really enjoying them."

Benjamin, who lives with wife Diep and son Kai and works in a nail salon on West Blackhall Street, says he would love to launch a restaurant in the area.

He said: "I'm a bit obsessed with natural produce and when I came to Scotland I really wanted to seek out the things that the country are famous for - such as seafood and beef - to cook with.

"I was surprised at how inaccessible it was and how hard to come by.

"If I started my own restaurant, I'd want to use Scottish produce and marry it with Asian flavours and cooking - the meals I make are heavily inspired by Asian street food.

"For now, I hope people make use of the recipe blog and I'd love to hear from anyone who has tried the recipes to get their feedback on it."