TOP chef at Michelin star restaurant The Crown at Whitebrook has issued a statement following the closure of the establishment, which has left him and others jobless.

The Crown, one of just four Michelin star restaurants in all Wales, was closed down 'with immediate affect' last week.

Caerleon born James, 34, who lives with his wife and three children in Pontypool, gained the Michelin star for the restaurant in 2007 when he was just 28. Under his stewardship in the kitchen, the restaurant has retained that much sought after accolade ever since.

Mr Sommerin says in his statement: "I was employed as the executive chef at The Crown at Whitebrook.  I had no financial interest in the business and I am as disappointed and surprised as anyone that Crown Hotels and Restaurants Ltd has run into such serious financial difficulties that it has had to close The Crown. The restaurant itself was very popular and extremely busy. However, I understand that other problems have arisen.

"Over the last few months I have been exploring an opportunity to open my own quality restaurant in South Wales. "These are extremely exciting times for me.  Wales produces some of the finest ingredients and Welsh people have a real appetite for the highest quality food."