Teenage chef has recipe for turning his life around

10:53am Monday 17th March 2008

Comments (5)   Have your say »

A TEENAGER whose culinary talents have been lauded by industry experts has credited cooking with turning his life around.

Luke Pilkington, 16, will represent East Lancashire in the Lancashire Young Chef Competition next month, in one of 10 teams whittled down from 3,000 entrants.

After sitting his GCSEs at St Wilfrid's High School and Technology College, Luke will start a three-year apprenticeship at Langho's award-winning Northcote Manor restaurant in June, with the ultimate aim of owning his own restaurant using locally-sourced produce, something he is passionate about.

Learning to cook haute cuisine will build on hospitality skills honed by working at The Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors, where he works at front of house.

Four years ago, being selected for Northcote's prestigious apprentice-ship - only a handful of young people are taken on every year - was a distant dream for Luke, who was struggling at school.

Luke, from Larkhill Cottages, Langho, said: "I'm more of a practical person than academic, so I found some subjects difficult.

"It wasn't until I got into food technology that things changed, and since then cooking's turned my life around.

"I first started when I was about 10, helping in my gran's confectionery shop, but it's over the past couple of years that I started taking it seriously, and now my life revolves around cooking.

"Schoolwork takes priority, but as soon as I've finished I'm in the kitchen.

"I just find it so relaxing, and I love to see what I've achieved at the end.

"I feel privileged to be joining Northcote. It's a great place to start."

His passion for cooking and natural flair was spotted by food technology teacher Catherine Tipton.

Mrs Tipton said: "I first noticed that Luke had creative flair in year nine.

"Luke has matured and his confidence has grown steadily, and he's greatly supported by staff and peers.

"I'm extremely proud of Luke because he never gives up."

In addition to culinary skills, Luke is showing sharp business sense, garnering sponsorship from a major international company as well as local firms.

Luke will compete in the Lancashire Young Chef Competition Grand Final alongside teammate Heather Fleming, his cooking partner at St Wilfrid's.

The final will be held at Lancaster and Morecambe College on April 24.