Entries sought for Welsh Food Scholarship

Entries are still being sought for the inaugural Welsh Food Scholarship, a scheme designed for young chefs to increase the awareness of food and produce from the principality.

The Welsh Food Scholarship gives chefs working in Wales under the age of 23 the chance to win a series of internships around the world at catering outlets in places such as Australia, Dubai and Singapore, as well as a placement at a high-profile restaurant in London.

John Retallick, co-ordinator of the Welsh Food Scholarship, said that as well as nurturing young talent and offering career opportunities, the scholarship would see the winner act as an ambassador for Wales to help increase awareness of Welsh cooking and produce around the world.

"There's a real need for an initiative like this in Wales, and while we have the backing and sponsorship of the Welsh Assembly and a number of Welsh food producers and distributors, we are still looking for further support," he said.

Chefs interested in entering will need to submit a paper. Finalists will be notified by September and a cook-off of held at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport.

By Chris Druce

 E-mail your comments to Chris Druce here.