A BUDDING Jamie Oliver from Darlington is set for a hot future in the kitchens after securing a place on a chef training programme.

Lewis Gray, from Sutcliffe Court, has been chosen from more than 4,000 candidates across the UK to become an apprentice on Corus hotels' chef school training programme at the Blackwell Grange Hotel.

The apprenticeship is one of more than 40 being offered across the country by Corus hotels.

Lewis said: "I like to cook at home and try new dishes, particularly seafood and lamb. I've always enjoyed being in the kitchen and I would like to work my way to the top, become head chef and eventually run my own restaurant."

The 17-year-old has already spent three months as a waiter at Blackwell Grange Hotel and hopes Chef School will equip him for a career in catering.

Lewis will study for NVQ-level catering qualifications as part of his apprenticeship while gaining experience at the Blackwell Grange Hotel.