An agreement has been renewed between chefs in Birmingham and Lyon which aims to strengthens the city's reputation for culinary excellence.

The Protocole d'Entente, a certificate of agreement between the British Culinary Federation (BCF) and Les Toques Blanches Lyonnaises, is signed every four years.

Its aim is to promote understanding and co-operation between the two associations, including chef exchanges and joint food promotions and to enable young chefs to be sent on work experience in Lyon or the UK.

It was signed at University College Birmingham as the venue hosted the 2014 BCF Chef of the Year competition

Birmingham City Council leader Sir Albert Bore said: "To host both the BCF Chef of the Year 2014 final and the signing of the Protocole d'Entente is testament to the strength and depth of culinary talent we have here in the city.

"Our ongoing relationship with Lyon is incredibly strong, and as Birmingham continues to grow its international reputation as a culinary destination, this is another stepping stone on that journey."

Ten of the UK's finest young chefs competed in the Chef of the Year final, including Mathew Shropshall from University College Birmingham.

Adam Handling, from St Ermin's Hotel in London, was crowned the winner for his three-course meal celebrating the best of British food.

Handling will now join the English National Culinary Team squad at the World Culinary Cup, in Luxembourg, in November.

Andreas Antona, vice-president of the BCF and chef-patron of Simpsons Restaurant in Birmingham, said: "The federation's Chef of the Year competition is a highly contested and prestigious event, providing talented entrants with the opportunity to showcase their creativity and culinary skills in front of a judging panel holding no fewer than nine Michelin stars between them.

"Birmingham is becoming increasingly well known as a leader in cuisine - it was therefore fitting that this year's event was held in the city."