A TEESDALE teenager has beaten off college rivals to be named top chef.

Sam Nutter, of Eggleston, walked away with the top prize in the special awards handed out at Darlington College of Technology.

The 19-year-old works at the Rose and Crown Hotel, in Romaldkirk, but is also taking a foundation degree in culinary arts at the college.

As a prize, he receives a trip to Venice to visit the Electrolux factory.

He said: "This will really whet my appetite, as what I really want to do is work abroad."

The Most Outstanding Modern Apprentice of the Year accolade went to Sarah-Jane Seddon, of Leeming Bar, near Bedale.

The 20-year-old works at RAF Leeming, but is also studying an NVQ level two in food preparation at the college.

She said: "I was really shocked to win the award, I had no idea and do feel very proud of myself. I would love to be a hotel manager or even own a hotel, but until then I am happy to be a pastry chef."

Prizes totalling more than £2,000 were handed out at the ceremony to mark all of the winning students' achievements.