A TEAM responsible for serving up Michelin starred chefs and top caterers of the future have been given a prestigious award.

Colchester Institute’s Centre for Hospitality Food Studies has won the Furtherance of Excellence in Catering Education prize from the Craft Guild of Chefs.

The honour is designed to recognise the college’s contribution to raising standards and quality in training and development of qualifications in catering and hospitality.

Head of food studies Martin Fordham was delighted to have been chosen for the prize.

He said: “It’s marvellous to receive recognition for the hard work of our catering and hospitality staff from such a prestigious organisation.

“It really does reflect the team’s professionalism and dedication in developing the young talented hospitality professionals of tomorrow.

“I’m exceptionally proud of the team.”

Director of operations for the Craft Guild of Chefs said: “We awarded Colchester Institute with the college certificate - this is awarded to a college outside of the Greater London area for commitment that is demonstrated in furthering the aims and objectives of the Craft Guild of Chefs and excellence within catering education.

“Colchester Institute has provided us with great help over the years – especially with hosting and organising the World Skills Show semi-finals for catering and hospitality.

“The whole process was exceptionally well organised and the college’s can do and helpful attitude was a real testament to them.

“It was wonderful to see how the tutors interacted with students from colleges from all across the UK – where their passion for teaching in the industry really shone through.”

Amongst the college’s most notable alumni is former Masterchef the Professionals winner Stephen Groves who holds the position of executive chef at Michel Roux’s Parliament Square restaurant in London.