BRIAN Mellor welcomed eight chefs from across the UK to his Cheshire cookery school for a three-day course.

The award-winning chef invited The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO) chefs to Harthill School to find out firsthand about game preparation and cookery.

The course was a combination of theory and practical sessions, which included cooking with Brian and wine matching and tasting.

Brian, who holds Master Craftsman status with the Craft Guild of Chefs, said: “It’s a privilege to be able to show the chefs a beautiful part of Cheshire along with some of the country’s best produce.

“These are experienced professionals who cook to a very high standard in some of our oldest institutions that are steeped in history and tradition.

“They will be cooking for visiting dignitaries such as presidents, royalty and politicians as well as esteemed professors and quite possibly for the future Prime Ministers, politicians, artists and scientists of this country.

“Therefore the produce, information and training have to be right, it’s a little bit of pressure but the setting and ingredients around Cheshire are perfect.”

Bill Brogan, chairman of TUCO Learning and Education Committee and catering and conference manager of the 500 year-old St John’s College Cambridge, added: “This course will give our chefs a better understanding of game and cooking techniques especially as its popularity is soaring on menus.

“As game becomes more and more popular, what better place to train than in Cheshire at this fantastic school. We hope this will not be the last time we visit.”

The course culminated with a game supper cooked by the chefs using Cheshire produce.