BUDDING chefs can now enjoy world-class tuition after a college was confirmed as a Centre of Vocational Excellence in hospitality and catering.

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has given the accolade to Darlington College.

The college, along with Yorkshire Coast College at Scarborough, York College and national training provider, the Hotel and Catering Training Company Limited, will form a North Yorkshire Hospitality Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE).

The new ranking has released extra funding, enabling the colleges to develop a range of hospitality courses for all ages and abilities.

The money is being used to invest in the latest kitchen, restaurant and IT equipment.

Courses on offer range from taster sessions to foundation degrees.

There are also courses tailored to specific sections of the industry, such as the Focus on Food initiative, aimed at cooks in care homes showing them how to make nutritious meals for elderly people.

Darlington College was already a centre of excellence for the training of journalists.

The college's School of Journalism, Media and the Arts was awarded Beacon Status in March 2003.

It remains the only vocational centre of excellence in the North-East for digital media, design and production.

The double specialism will operate from both the Darlington and Catterick sites.

Liz Burdett, director of area for the LSC in North Yorkshire, said: "The CoVE is a great step forward for the hospitality industry in our area, making us world-class in terms of resources and facilities.

"I am confident that this investment will reap great benefits both for the providers and students."

CoVE manager Lisa Voss said: "This is fantastic news and something we have been working towards for the past 18 months.

"It means that as hospitality and catering training providers we are regarded among the best ten per cent in the country.

"As well as learners, we will be working with more than 200 employers across the area to find out exactly what they want. These are really exciting times."

Phil Martin, 28, chef at the Carpenters Arms, in Felixkirk, near Thirsk, said he was delighted with the designation. He is studying a foundation degree in culinary arts in Darlington.

"The college gaining CoVE status will certainly enhance my qualification and standing within the industry, so I am thrilled with the news," he said.