BARNSLEY'S Sam Nixon will battle it out to become Masterchef champion after making it through the to the final.

Sam was put through last night after a gruelling round which saw him recreate a pasta dish made by judge John Torode, and cook a two course meal of chicken and leek pie and a ginger and chocolate steamed pudding.

The children's TV presenter told the Chronicle: "I'm over the moon to be in the final. I didn't make the final of Pop Idol, and so it is really nice to be in this final." 

It will be aired on Friday evening.

** The full story is in the Barnsley Chronicle newspaper, dated July 24 **