1 - step 1 Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3.

2 - Soften the celery, onion, carrots, bay and 1 thyme sprig in a casserole with 1 tbsp oil and the butter for 10 mins.

3 - Stir in the flour, followed by the purée, Worcestershire sauce and stock cubes.

4 - step 2 Gradually stir in 600ml hot water, then tip in the beef and bring to a gentle simmer.

5 - Cover and cook in the oven for 2 hrs 30 mins, then uncover and cook for 30 mins -1 hr more until the meat is really tender and sauce thickened.