Andy Brown, head of hospitality at Northumberland College, said: “To be crowned North East Champions at NECTA is a huge honour and something our team, led by tutor David Jackson, fully deserved after what was an excellent all round display.
“The victory is further evidence of the improvement that the hospitality department here at Northumberland College has made recently.”
The college secured 21 medals after entering 18 students into the competition, which took place at Newcastle Racecourse on April 5th, in categories including knife skills, sugar craft, vegetarian and chicken preparation.
Natasha Drummond from Newbiggin, who took gold in the Knife Skills competition, said: “My heat involved preparing vegetables in different styles including brunoise and paysanne. I was so nervous at first but once I got to my station in front of an encouraging audience my competitive streak pushed through.
“I was so shocked to find out I had won, it’s a huge achievement. My tutors and team are so experienced, professional and supportive, we all cheered each other on throughout the day.”
The win comes after Northumberland College’s school of hospitality received a £14 million investment into its facilities, which began in 2015 and saw the installation of a new restaurant and professional kitchen.
Over the next six months, developments within Northumberland College’s School of Hospitality and Catering will see the introduction of new Level 2 technical qualifications starting in September this year.