ASPIRING chefs could soon be trained in North Yorkshire, where Darlington College at Catterick has launched a range of catering and hospitality courses.

The college, which has just taken over the running of The Bistro at the campus, is offering part-time NVQ Level 1 and 2 courses, which include lessons in food preparation and cookery, food and drink service and customer service.

Cash from the European Social Fund has also been invested to allow the college to offer some of the courses free of charge.

Spokesman Peter Bell, said: "Traditionally, Darlington College at Catterick has been viewed as a facility offering courses in information computing technology, but we have to respond to local tastes and needs.

"The part-time catering and hospitality courses have already been met with a great response from local people and delivering full-time courses at Catterick is the next logical step."