WORLD-RENOWNED chocolatiers Idlo and Maureen Nicolello brought their skills to the North-East yesterday.

Thirty students, from beginners to chefs working in the industry, benefited from their expertise during a course at Darlington College of Arts and Technology.

They were asked to produce a variety of tasty creations, from a huge chocolate castle to a winter scene featuring rabbits, eggs and trees, after being given an insight into how to work with chocolate.

"It's a question of using quality ingredients and getting the temperature just right," said Mr Nicolello, 68, who moved to Britain from his native Italy when he was 19.

Since then he has built up his reputation globally and appeared on countless TV programmes, including Blue Peter and The Generation Game. As well as first and second year college students, the course was also open to the catering industry.

Gail Wilkinson, head chef at the White Swan Hotel, in Middleham, North Yorkshire, said: "The course has been excellent. I've never really worked with chocolate before, though I have always seen the potential in making anything from petite fours to celebration cakes.

"I have found out how chocolate works and am really surprised what can be done with it. It has been incredible working with a chocolatier to see how inventive he is."