A CATERING student is about to open a new chapter of his life after button-holing a top chef at a book signing.

Darlington College student James Plant travelled all the way to Padstow in Cornwall to collar TV chef Rick Stein, who was signing copies of his latest book.

When it was his turn in the queue the 18-year-old, of Kirkby Fleetham, near Northallerton, was bold enough to ask the celebrated fish chef for unpaid work experience.

And the NVQ Level 3 kitchen and larder student has now been offered a fulltime commis chef position in Stein’s Seafood Restaurant.

He also has high hopes for his girlfriend and fellow student Charlie O’Brien, 19, of Darlington, who has been offered an interview for a chef’s post in Stein’s Padstow bistro St Petroc’s.

“I have always loved cooking and have been a fan of Rick Stein’s for a long time,” said James, who also has a VRQ Level 2 in professional catering and an NVQ Level 3 in patisserie and confectionary.

“So I travelled the 500 miles to Padstow for his book signing and while I was there asked for unpaid work.

“He said talk to my assistant and the work experience went so well they have offered me a job starting on July 1 working all sections, which is fantastic. I have been working at the Black Horse in Kirkby Fleetham, which has been great, but this is a dream opportunity.”

While his Darlington College tutor Donna Joyce was delighted, she wasn’t surprised.

“When he started college we asked James where he thought he would be in ten years’ time and he said working in a Michelin star restaurant – and he has done it in just two,” she said.

“He is an incredible of example of what can be achieved if you have drive and enthusiasm. Employers really respond to young people who show their initiative – especially the top chefs who know exactly what is needed to succeed in life.”

For more information on courses at Darlington College ring 01325-503030 or log on to the website darlington.ac.uk