Andy Brown, appointed as academy head of hospitality, said: At Northumberland College we have clear ideas on the direction of travel for students to be educated and developed within. Having a strong and varied industry based enrichment programme is central to how students will be developed, giving them the opportunity to see and be involved in as many varied opportunities as possible.

"We want students to be proud of where they come from and have a full understanding of the products that are produced in Northumberland as well as be aware of current trends in the hospitality industry."

Over the next two months, new technical Level 2 qualifications will be introduced at the college. Students will also be competing for the first time in the North East Culinary Trade Associations (NECTA) inter-college competition in April.

Since September students have visited fine dining establishments in the North East, visited wholesalers and manufacturers, and had guest visitors and chefs including David Kennedy, head chef at Pleased to Meet You in Newcastle.

The college’s investment into its Ashington and Kirkley Hal campuses began in 2015 and new facilities included a restaurant and additional professional kitchen.