A CELEBRITY chef has given a video endorsement to a Maldon based hamper service.

Secret Hamper was set up by friends Nigel Richardson and Paul Barmby, allows people to send a hamper of essentials to family and friends.

Now Rick Stein, who owns four restaurants and has presented a number of TV shows, has given his support to the brand.

Nigel met Rick at the signing for his latest cook book Long Weekends and convinced him to film a video endorsement to the brand.

He said: “We were on holiday during the summer in Cornwall and I'd missed meeting him by a day - he'd hosted an evening with Rick Stein at his cookery school.

“So when I saw that he was going to be at a book signing just 20 minutes away in Chelmsford I had to go.

“I got my booked signed to 'Secret Hamper' he asked me what it was all about to which I explained and he said what a wonderful concept it was.

“I then asked if he'd be happy to say a few words on video and he was more than obliging.

“He took my business card but haven't heard anything back as of yet as I know that he was touring the UK promoting his book launch.”

The hamper business has already gained celebrity support with business magnate and former Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis giving the duo a social media shout out.

To watch the video visit maldonandburnhamstandard.co.uk.