A TRAINEE chef from Ellesmere Port has scooped the prestigious Young Apprentice of the Year award.

Todd Lowndes, 15, who works at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa in Chester, received the accolade at the glittering North West Apprenticeship Awards last week.

The event, which was held at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, was hosted by ITN and ITV Granada presenter Lucy Meacock.

Todd’s application was one of 283 entries that were submitted from across the region, with 23 finalists selected to compete across the eight categories in the North West heat.

He receives training from West Cheshire College, while attending the University of Chester Church of England Academy in Ellesmere Port, and is currently completing his NVQ Level 2 Hospitality Multiskills.

Todd said: “I am so proud to have been named Young Apprentice of the Year.ŠThe award means a lot to me as the Young Apprenticeship programme has enabled me to discover my passion for catering and made me realise I want to be a chef.

“Being in the kitchen suits me because I am always busy and there is always something to do. I find practical work easier than sitting at a desk in school and I don’t lose my concentration.

“My new confidence has crept into other areas of my life and I now set high standards for myself in work, at college and at school.

“This award will spur me on to succeed, I love the buzz of a busy kitchen and would eventually like to become a head chef and run my own team.ŠI am a different person now I am an award-winning chef!”

Sue Price, regional director for the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “I would like to congratulate Todd on his fantastic achievement in being named Young Apprentice of the Year.

“I wish Todd the best of luck going forward in the competition. He should be very proud of his achievements to date and I am sure his success will continue into his future career.”