Cricketing hero and former Celebrity MasterChef contestant Matthew Hoggard hopes to bowl over a new audience of fans with his latest cookery venture.

The 43-year-old, one of the legendary Ashes-winning England team in 2005, is taking inspiration from ashes of a different kind as he launches a new business and career exploring his love of barbecued foods.

Hoggy's Grill will see him putting his barbecuing skills to the test, with a new purpose-built chef school situated at Rutland Water.

Matthew discovered the joys of BBQ food while training as a young cricketer in South Africa and his interest in cooking has never left him during his successful career.

"Barbecuing is a big passion of mine – I do it all year round," he said. "I've even been known to cook Yorkshire puddings on the grill - and Christmas Dinner.

"I love a traditional barbecue get-together in the summer but I think we've got it all wrong in this country. On the continent, they do it all year round, regardless of the weather."

The former Leicestershire captain will be looking to build on his Celebrity MasterChef appearance in 2013, when the Yorkshireman won over food experts and charmed audiences with his tasty concoctions and quick-witted style.

And his mission to educate the nation with BBQ recipes kickstarts against the beautiful backdrop of Rutland Water Garden Nursery off Lyndon Road, Oakham.

His grill school is fully kitted out with all types of barbequing catered for, including traditional BBQ, fuel, and wood pellet grills.

The cricketing hero has also adapted his business for the COVID-19 times, with a 'Cricketing Cook Off' service allowing customers to receive ingredients at home and cook alongside Hoggy online.

"It's going to be a busy and exciting few months," added Hoggy.

"Obviously it's been tough with the pandemic in terms outdoor performances, but there's clearly been a fantastic appetite for barbecuing over the summer with plenty of sun and downtime for many.

"I'm inviting everyone to learn some new recipes, test their skills and visit this beautiful venue – I can't wait."

Hoggard's venture includes a range of packages for customers to try, cooking traditional favourites such as tomahawk steaks and beer can chicken, as well as fishy feasts and veggie extravaganzas.

Guests can also buy what they try, with a variety of BBQs and equipment giving guests the chance to continue their BBQ exploits at home, with specialty rubs also available to enhance the culinary experience.

And for those who are unable to make it in-person through COVID-difficulties to the Rutland venue, a new purpose-built website for bookings and online purchases has been enhanced by insight software specialists Diginius.

Presently, the business is adhering to group bookings of six in line with COVID-19 government compliance, however Hoggard hopes when restrictions lift to expand his operations.

"We're hoping to have guest chefs down here as well as take the business to festivals across the Midlands and beyond.

"I want this to be a really fun and interactive experience, with a nicely cooked BBQ treat in hand at food festivals, gigs and sporting ventures.

"Hopefully we'll all be able to get back to this vision soon, but for now, I'll be doing all your favourites and even Christmas turkeys ahead of the festive season at a truly great venue, so don't miss out!"