A YOUNG chef has turned up the heat after representing on the European stage his town, college and the hospice where volunteers.
Darlington College student James Marshall was one of two students to travel to Darlington’s twin town of Amien for a four-day cultural event involving a number of communities throughout the Longueau twinning network.
The experience has inspired the teenager to continue his studies with the aim of one day becoming a Michelin Star chef with his own chain of restaurants.
The 16-year-old volunteers at the town’s St Teresa’s Hospice, where his mother Alison is head of nursing and father Scott is a fundraiser, working alongside catering manager Paul Frankland. Next month he will help his mentor with a fundraising dinner for ten after their services were secured in a charity auction for £1,000.
His passion for food continues to be developed by Darlington College tutor Lee Coutts as the teenager studies a VRQ Level 1 catering qualification with plans to study Level 2.
James has also managed to secure work with the Keys Restaurant in Skinnergate. Mr Coutts explained that James had taken part in a cook-off to be selected for the prestigious Amien trip.
He and fellow student Reece Smith had both been selected to travel to France after producing a meal for a panel of judges headed by the chairman of the Town Twinning Association Tom Knutt.
He said: “Both students gained real life experience in kitchens in Darlington, with James working at The Keys Restaurant under the guidance of Michelin Star chef Paul Parkhill and Reece, under the guidance of ex-military chef Paul Graham, head chef of the Mercure Darlington Kings Head Hotel.”
Mr Frankland added: “James’ skill levels and dedication are a credit to the college and to the tutors who are training him. I can see such potential in him and if he stays on track I can see him going very far in his career. The catering industry needs more students like James.”
Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw added: “Not only does James deserve credit for his hard work at college and at The Keys but the fact he also finds time to volunteer at St Teresa’s is remarkable and greatly appreciated.”
