BOLTON youngsters who want to follow in the footsteps of top chefs like Jamie Oliver can win the chance of a catering career.

The Chefs' Challenge was started last year under the guidance of local chef Mike Harrison, based at Chefs at Paragon in Horwich.

And for one winning youngster, aged 16 to 18, at stake is the chance of a chef's career in a busy kitchen. This year's challenge is being run in conjunction with Bolton Lads & Girls Club and Bolton Community College.

It is open to either sex, but individuals must be enthusiastic, hard-working and prepared to commit themselves to training two days a week with Mr Harrison at Chefs at Paragon.

For the four entrants who are chosen to train, there will be the chance to gain NVQ qualifications in basic hygiene, and to learn the skills involved in a career in catering.

Application forms are available from Bolton Lads & Girls Club. They must be returned by April 21.

Successful applicants will be interviewed and asked to demonstrate practical skills, before the final four are selected for training.

This year's winner will follow last year's into a full-time training contract under the wing of Chefs, and there will also be support to the unsuccessful finalists to help them in the catering industry.

Lads & Girls Club inclusion team co-ordinator Rob Carter said: "This is a tremendous opportunity for a youngster who might not be taking other routes into the food industry to start a career in catering.

"The project was hugely successful last year, and we hope to do as well this year.

For an application form, contact Rob Carter at Bolton Lads & Girls Club, 18 Spa Road, Bolton BL1 4AG, tel 01204-540141, or email rob.carter@blgc.co.uk

For these four there will be many of learning opportunities and experiences before creating a meal for a gala dinner on July 3 at the end of the 10-week course.

Last year, students toured the Midland Hotel in Manchester, learned about knife skills at Salford University and visited Northcote Manor to see a seven-course luncheon prepared.

Caption: COOKING UP SUCCESS:

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: Finalists at last year's Chef's Challenge learn culinary skills from gourmet chef Mike Harrison