A CHEF from the North-East has made her country proud after being successful in last week's Skills Olympics.

Ruth Hansom, from Darlington, won a medallion of excellence for her cookery skills after competing for Team Uk in Abu Dhabi in the WorldSkills finals.

The 22-year-old, who now lives in London, is self-employed and has previously worked at The Ritz in London.

The former Longfield Academy student has also served a celebratory dinner to Michelin-starred celebrity chef, Michelin Roux Jr.

She was part of a 34-strong UK team that headed to the Middle East to showcase a range of skills from plumbing to beauty.

Apprentices from Britain claimed one gold, three silver and three bronze medals, as well as 13 medallions of excellence, putting them tenth in the medal table.

Ms Hansom was chosen during team selection showdown in London last month.

Dr Neil Bentley, chief executive of WorldSkills, said: "These young people have done the nation proud - their success should be celebrated and used to inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

"If we celebrate Team UK’s success and use it to inspire others - the future of the UK is in safe hands. “