CHEFS from River Cottage HQ in Axminster celebrated in style as they marked their achievements in a graduation extravaganza.

The ceremony included a banquet cooked by chef tutors, speeches given by Steve Lamb and a certification ceremony presented by celebrity chef and food crusader Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall.

The graduates then danced the night away as they celebrated their achievements.

The event attracted visitors from across the world as families flew in from Malta and Australia to see their sons and daughters graduating.

The 48 ecstatic graduates were the first to complete River Cottage’s Young Chef Apprentice Scheme – a professional and personal journey that aims to equip young learners with the skills they need to enter the catering industry.

It comes after a year of hands-on experience studying in the chefs school, while working in some of the best restaurants, pubs and hotels across the South West.

Sam Lomas, graduate and Rising Star champion said: “I could never have imagined all the things I’ve done and learned.

“I can now pretty much pursue any career related to River Cottage’s work I should choose, completely down to my time with River Cottage and the apprenticeship scheme.

“It’s obvious the scheme has gone from strength to strength despite how relatively young it is and I have no doubt it will continue to do so.”

Highlights of the apprenticeship programme include an insight into River Cottage’s famous farm, state of the art kitchens to train in, mentoring and support from established industry professionals.

There are no tuition fees to pay and learners receive a salary from their employer through the duration of the programme.

Chris Griffin, River Cottage’s head of education, said: “Our goal was to do much more than simply teach cookery skills.

“We wanted to inspire a new generation of chefs to be conscious about the provenance of their ingredients, who understand the importance of animal welfare and sustainability.

“The whole team and I are so proud of each and every student who graduated; over the past year they have not only developed as chefs, but as well-rounded people.”

River Cottage has scooped numerous awards, including being listed as a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer in the UK by the National Apprenticeship Scheme – and those at River Cottage say it is a testament to the quality of the programme.

River Cottage is now accepting applications for their various schemes and will be re-launching its traineeship programme in January 2015.

For more information and to apply visit rivercottage.net