Licensed Trade Charity pupil with autism wins National Young Chef Award

Liam Pope, 19, who has a diagnosis on the autism spectrum, saw off stiff competition from fellow competitors at a final cook off held at the Sodexo Salon Culinaire, Ascot Racecourse.

Competitors were given one hour to produce a two-course meal of pan fried Dover sole followed by a chocolate fondant dessert.

Pope said: “I was really nervous for the first 15 minutes but then I enjoyed it – it was a great experience.

“I want to thank everyone at LVS Hassocks for setting me on this career path – it taught me so much and meant when I went in to a big work kitchen I wasn’t daunted as I already had good knowledge.”

Pope’s prizes include a week working with two-Michelin starred chef Raymond Blanc at his restaurant Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire, a week at Le Notre training academy in Paris and cooking with Blanc in the Chelsea Flower Show hospitality area.

LVS Hassocks head teacher Kira Brabenec added: “We are delighted for Liam. Importantly, his progression will inspire current learners at the school and reinforces that LVS Hassocks helps learners develop career paths and prepare for independent lives.”