Winners of West Suffolk Junior Chef competition celebrate completion of course

The Junior Chef competition wrapped on November 19, with graduates of the course able to show off their culinary skills at West Suffolk College's on-site restaurant.

The programme was the result of a collaboration between the college and West Suffolk Council, and aimed to inspire young people interested in a career in the hospitality sector.

Participants spent eight weeks training under the college's chef manager, Stuart Ascott.

An event on November 19, held at the Edmunds restaurant, enabled the young chefs to show off what they had learned throughout the course.

The families of the students were invited along to enjoy their creations.

Cllr Susan Glossop, West Suffolk's cabinet member for growth, said: "It was wonderful to visit the students at the start of the course, and to come back now and see how much they have improved is amazing.

"Attending the final session and hearing how much the children have valued the opportunity to develop skills and learn new recipes demonstrates how important it is to encourage all age groups to think about the future and the careers they wish to take."

The operations manager for culinary arts at West Suffolk College, Claire Waterson, said: "The smiles on the faces of the children and families was a real delight to witness!

"The aim of the initiative is to inspire and encourage younger children to get excited about the hospitality sector and judging from the course feedback, this has certainly been achieved."

The course was well-received by the junior chefs.

One participant said: "I liked learning new skills and new recipes whilst working in a professional kitchen.

"Chef Stuart was a good teacher as he was encouraging and helpful."