EASTLEIGH students scooped several awards at a major competition.

Eastleigh College hospitality and catering students competed in the UK’s largest chef competition and won 11 medals including the desired gold.

The aspiring chefs competed against apprentices, students and professional chefs from around the country during a two-day competition at Hotelympia in London.

The young chefs were put under pressure to deliver to a high-standard, using skills they have learned on their course, while using their initiative where required.

They students completed various tasks from bread roll shaping to cocktail making and table laying.

Greg Cheeseman, lecturer in hospitality and catering at the college said to be very proud and added: “Some of our students were taken out of their comfort zone and have proved their potential. In this industry it’s important to network and get as much exposure as you can.”