FOUR wannabe chefs from Ullswater Community College, at Penrith, had the honour of preparing a four-course meal for Clarissa Dickson-Wright at the Westmorland County Show.

The foursome beat off stiff competition from more than 70 food technology students from around the county - including students from Ulverston Victoria High School who came a close second.

The event was organised by Cumbria Tourist Board, Set-point Cumbria and Cumbria Business and Education Consortium as part of the National Festival of Skills and Learning and the CTB initiative to raise awareness of tourism industry career opportunities.

"We set up this competition last year to encourage young people to try their hand at cooking with a top local chef," said Cath Fare, job creation and training manager for the tourist board.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for young people to experience cooking with quality local produce.

The local support from Made in Cumbria, local suppliers and chefs has been great."

The Ullswater students - who were assisted in their endeavours by Duncan Collinge, executive head chef of the Lakeside Hotel at Newby Bridge - spent a month developing their menu which included Eamont salmon mousse.

Clarissa said it was good enough to appear on the menu of a top London restaurant.

"I'm really impressed by these four young men," she added.

Meanwhile, in its continued efforts to help fill the country's 30,000 chef employment vacancies, Cumbria Tourist Board has recently recruited 14 young people with a fascination for food to join an innovative 15-month chef apprenticeship programme.

Open to people from South Cumbria aged 16-23, the training scheme has been enhanced to provide a 'fast track' NVQ.

The scheme offers the chance of other nationally-recognised certificates such as basic food hygiene and health and safety, and has three placements with top employers in the hotel industry.

Supported by the Cumbria Learning and Skills Council and European Social Funds, the "ground-breaking partnership" between the tourist board, Furness and Kendal colleges, and the Hotel and Catering Training Company guarantees each apprentice a learning and salary package worth around £10,000.

Local hotels and restaurants lending their support include Grasmere's Red Lion, the Wild Boar at Crook, and Windermere's Belsfield and Burnside hotels.

If you would like more information about the apprenticeships, contact CTB training manager Cath Fare on 015394-40407.