A restaurant run by two reality TV show contestants has got rave reviews by its first customers.

Eight at the Thatch opened in Thame on Tuesday night under the guiding hand of husband and wife Jane and Jeremy Hooper - winners of BBC2 TV series The Restaurant.

The Hoopers, originally from Devon, were among contestants taught by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc for the programme and eventually emerged as winners after eight weeks of intensive training.

Mr Hooper, a former Royal Marines chef, and his trainee teacher wife, were then sent on a 10 day intensive training course at Brasserie Blanc in Walton Street, Jericho, before receiving their prize of a chance to run their own restaurant.

Their new business in Lower High Street was fully refurbished ahead of its first night, where the couple played host to 20 specially selected diners.

Carolyn Wright, from Maple Road in Thame, and her mother Liz Reavill were among the guests, having won a table for the first night through the TV show's website.

Ms Wright said: "We watched the programme avidly because it was Raymond Blanc - we know what a brilliant chef he is.

"We were very excited to win a table. Lots of my friends were all terribly jealous. They wanted us to wish Jane and Jeremy luck.

"The meal went very well. The food was great. The steak was cooked perfectly and my mum had the duck which she thought was fab. The overall impression was great - we are definitely going again."

"Jane was fizzing about and Jeremy came out at the end, which was lovely. Raymond also said hello."

Mrs Hooper said: "It feels amazing to be open. We opened the doors at 6pm and it feels great - the restaurant looks amazing.

"Everyone has been very positive and very welcoming. It really is a dream come true - it is what we have always wanted."