TWO workers from Thailand who moved 6,000 miles to experience a different culture have been cooking up a storm.

Thirty-six-year-old Pimnipa, and 59-year-old Chat Chai, have created a stir in the Thai restaurant where they work, at the Sundial Hotel, in Darlington Road, Northallerton.

Pimnipa moved to the UK three years ago after being invited over by a friend who ran his own business, while Chat Chai moved five years ago to be closer to his brother.

The pair, who also carry out other duties, including housekeeping and reception work, have signed up to study for a Level 2 NVQ in customer service at the North-East Chamber of Commerce's Northallerton training centre.

Pimnipa, from Lopburi, in northern Thailand, said: "I have only been on the course for two months, but I am really enjoying it so far.

"It is giving me a chance to learn more about English hospitality and teaching me how to best serve customers when I am at work.

"The people in Northallerton have been very friendly to us, and outside work we like to learn different aspects of British culture."

Daphne Tomkins, manager of the training centre, said: "We are delighted to be able to help people from a completely different background and culture to integrate into traditional English forms of hospitality."