A TOP North-East chef is spearheading a contest to encourage more young people in the region to consider catering as a career.

Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson teamed up with Darlington College and the North-East Hoteliers Association (NEHA) to launch The Great North Menu Challenge, in which chefs submit menu ideas, with the best 20 going head-to-head in a cook-off at the college on October 19.

The winning menu will be served at the NEHA Excellence Awards dinner at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham City, in February, which is attended by some of the most highprofile figures from the North-East’s hotel sector.