Teams from colleges who reached the final of the Passion to Inspire competition, which sees students go head to head in a series of challenges, were at the upskilling day at ICE (Infusions Culinary Experience) cookschool and development kitchen in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

Founder of Passion to Inspire, Murray Chapman, said: “Wednesday was a great event with nearly 60 people, all passionate about the industry, engaged and interacting.

“The young chefs were keen to learn and, for those of us who have been around a bit longer, it is a joy to be able to invest in chefs of the future and share some of our experience.”

Students took part in workshops by regional chefs and key local suppliers and interactive sessions on wine tasting, seasoning, butchery and cheese, including seasoning and finishing with Russell Bateman and Mara Seaweed from Colettes Restaurant at the Grove Hotel.

Colleges taking part in this year’s Passion to Inspire competition are West Suffolk College, Cambridge Regional College, Norwich City College, Colchester Institution, College of West Anglia and Redbridge College.