There will be a world of taste to enjoy at the Lakes School, at Troutbeck Bridge, on March 16 when nine sixth formers stage a fund-raising International Dinner'.

In July this year they are off on a World Challenge Expedition to Malawi for four weeks. One of the weeks will be spent working in the community, hopefully helping to develop an animal sactuary which will be used as a focal education centre for most of Malawi's children.

The dinner is the students' way of trying to raise funds for this and other community projects.

For their international dinner the students have so far enlisted the help of Bernard and Karen Warne, the parents of one of the members of the expedition, who used to be chefs at The Wordsworth Hotel, in Grasmere.

They have bagged the support of some of their former colleagues who have kindly agreed to help - free of charge - either on the night or by donating dishes, their time, or both.

The evening starts at 7pm and will comprise a three-course buffet of dishes from around the world, including Thai fish curry, Moroccan lamb, and traditional African salads, Tickets cost £15 and are available from the Lakes School office.

MEANWHILE, when the head chef at Storrs Hall says the quality of your cooking is of a comparable standard to his, that's some kind of compliment.

It certainly explains why Kendal College catering students have been beaming with pride in recent weeks.

In fact, Craig Sherrington has been so impressed by what he's seen that, for one night only, he's leaving his kitchen on the shores of Windermere to work alongside the Catering Event Team' in the college kitchens.

And then, a week later, the same young chefs will have the chance to show off their skills again when they take over the kitchens at Storrs Hall.

The Storrs Hall partnership has been forged thanks to the support of owners English Lakes Hotels and the enthusiasm of Kendal College programme area leader Mike Mounfield, a Master Chef of Great Britain.

"There will be only 40 places available at each venue," explained Mike. That's at Kendal College on March 15, and at Storrs Hall on March 22. And it costs only £40 for both events.

To book your place at these ground-breaking dinners call Storrs Hall on 015394-47111.

For all the latest Food & Drink news, don't miss the Leisure section in The Westmorland Gazette, out on Friday, March 9.