AN accomplished chef who has worked in some of the country’s most prestigious restaurants has returned to his roots to share his knowledge and experience.

Chris Dobson is to take up a dual-role position for the next academic year at Accrington and Rossendale College.

The 48-year-old from Accrington will operate as a commercial chef and junior lecturer at the college that set him on the path to success. He will co-run the kitchen at the Roots restaurant, where he will mentor students.

Mr Dobson, who is Accrington born and bred and lives with his family just off Manchester Road, graduated from the college in the mid-1980s.

He said: “It’s the same college but a different site to the one I attended. I was based at the old place down on Blackburn Road in the Eighties.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started at the college. T there are ultra-modern, purpose-built facilities which are, frankly, better than in any kitchen I have ever worked in.

“I’m looking forward to the new intake of students and I’ve been working on my lesson planning.

“I’m confident, it’s exciting. Fate deals many cards and now I have the opportunity to give back to the community and share the knowledge I have gained over the years.”

Mr Dobson has worked for chef Nico Ladenis at his restaurant Simply Nico in London and ran the kitchen at the former Accrington venue Callum’s Bisto.

He was also head chef at Storrs Hall in Cumbria before moving to Stirk House, Gisburn, until July last month.

Mr Dobson will now be taking a two-year certificate in education to enable him to lecture on catering.

Charlotte Scheffmann, assistant principal at Accrington and Rossendale College, said: “I am delighted that Chris will be joining us.

“It is very rare that you have someone of his experience and talent able to come in and mentor young people who are just starting out their lives in the catering industry.”