Chef Danny Millar, the co-owner and chef at three top restaurants in Co Down, has declared himself bankrupt following a year of "personal challenges".

Mr Millar (44), who has appeared on BBC's 'Saturday Kitchen' and on the 'Great British Menu', told the 'Belfast Telegraph': "I deeply regret that personal challenges over the last year have resulted in these proceedings."

He has already resigned as a director from his former company Balloo Inns Ltd, which runs The Parson's Nose, Hillsborough, Balloo House, Killinchy, and The Poacher's Pocket in Lisbane - all of which are remaining open.

The remaining directors who now own the three restaurants outright, Ronan and Jennifer Sweeney, said they fully backed Mr Millar, who will stay on in his position as executive chef of the restaurants.