A CHEF used to cooking for thousands of people is hoping to woo a dozen men into a college kitchen.

Becky Dougill will host Man in the Kitchen sessions at Darlington College of Technology every Tuesday night as part of a series of courses being held by its school of hotel, hospitality and catering.

The former Darlington College student has returned there to teach after working in industry, including spells at Redworth Hall, Edinburgh's Caledonian Hotel, Gosforth Park Hotel and at chemical plants on Teesside and Runcorn, in Cheshire.

"The chaps think Becky is marvellous," said senior tutor Liz Smith.

"But their wives love her too because she manages to get them into the kitchen."

Ms Dougill said: "We cover everything from meat casseroles to pasta dough, pastries to desserts.

"For many of them it's a release from their day to day lives."

Head of catering Peter Bell said: "It's a great night out for them. Many turn up with a bottle of wine and have a blast."

Other cookery courses available at the college include Indian, vegetarian and international cuisine.

To enrol call Lyndsay Smith on (01325) 503187.