THE 500th customer to take advantage of a training course designed to improve standards in food preparation, is to open her own New York-style noodle bar.

Karen Ooi, 39, from Middlesbrough, and her husband, George, 41, are to fulfil their ambitions of self-employment when they open Oodles in Linthorpe Road in the town, next week.

Selling a range of noodle dishes, along with a variety of French baguettes, customers will be able to dine in, or out in style.

Karen and George have undertaken months of preparation and research to get their business under way.

Their business idea was hatched last year, when Karen enrolled on a food hygiene course, run and managed by the TAD Centre and funded by Tees Valley TEC.

Chris Wood, acting chairman of the TEC's Food Manufacturing and Hospitality Employment Group, said: "The course was set up in direct response to the needs of employers.

"Many expressed difficulty in recruiting experienced staff, while others were finding themselves under added pressure brought about by higher consumer expectations."

He added: "The basic food hygiene course has been one of the first projects instigated by the group with the aim of reaching small establishments who don't have easy access to training."

John Bennett, chief executive of Tees Valley TEC, is delighted at the example that people such as Karen and George Ooi are setting to others.

He said: "The fact that Karen undertook some training prior to setting up the business is testament to her desire to succeed and provide a first-class service to her customers."