A DORSET farmer who joined social media during lockdown to showcase his dancing skills has now become an internet sensation – thanks to his cooking.

Jim Chapman, aka JimLad, was raised on the family beef farm, describing himself as gardener, farmer and dad.

And now Jim, who lives near Bridport, can add author to that list after his social media recipes were turned into his first cookbook.

Boasting traditional recipes for dishes such as roast potatoes and Beef Wellington, Jim’s culinary efforts have won him hundreds of thousands of followers online.

Nobody is more surprised than him that he not only has a loyal audience – but now has Roast It Up, a collection of his best recipes.

“Before lockdown I didn’t really know anything about technology and wasn’t on any social media,” said Jim, who is also launching a range of personalised merchandise.

“It was my daughter who said we should put some videos on TikTok, so it was just of us dancing around at first.

“Then she suggested I should post some of my food and it got such a good response and I was really enjoying it so I started to post more and more recipes.”

JimLad achieved internet fame- particularly for his Yorkshire puddings

Finding the time to create recipes and post is a big commitment for Jim, who not only works on the family beef farm but also runs a camping and caravanning site and a huge Christmas tree forest.

“I first started cooking when we had kids,” said Jim. “It’s something I’ve always enjoyed but having a cookery book is something I never could have imagined.”

Jim works with Found, which turns the online content from creators into stylish books, with the creator getting a percentage of each one sold.

The book has also given Jim the opportunity to share one of his favourite recipes – for Yorkshire puddings.

“I love a Yorkshire pudding,” he said. “And now I’m on a mission to create the best vegan version. It’s a challenge but I’m determined to do it.”

Sales of Jim’s book are already doing well, which has delighted him and his family.

“If someone had said to me a year or so ago that I would have a book I would have thought it was a joke,” he said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity and I’m loving every minute of it.”

Copies of Jim’s book are available at £24.99 via found.us, with a calendar also available for £19.99.