TOP chef Will Holland has helped launch a search for the next culinary talent in Wales.

Will, of Saundersfoot’s award-winning Coast restaurant, has teamed up with the UK’s leading culinary arts, wine and management school to find an aspiring chef who could win a prize worth over £35,000.

Le Cordon Bleu’s 2016 UK Scholarship Award is an opportunity for those who may have thought a career in food would only ever be a dream.

The prize is a place on the school’s diplÔme de pâtisserie, followed by a three-month diploma in culinary management.

The award includes luxury accommodation in central London and an internship with triple-starred Michelin chef Clare Smyth MBE at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant in Chelsea.

Will Holland, who shares Le Cordon Bleu’s concern at the shortage of up-and-coming chefs, said: “Our industry is amazing, and the Le Cordon Bleu Scholarship prize is the perfect runway into a career in it for the lucky winner.”

Coast restaurant hosted the Welsh launch of the award, when local MP Simon Hart was amongst the guests. For more information, visit ukscholarship.cordonbleu.edu

Michelin-starred Mr Holland was recently on the team of judges at the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC).

While recognising the industry’s recruitment problems, he was upbeat about the enthusiasm, energy and standards achieved in the competitions“The main things I noticed were the brilliant standard of competitions and the energy and enthusiasm within the industry. It fills me with confidence that there are chefs that will be filling our boots in the future.

“The calibre of chefs in the Junior and National Chef of Wales finals was fantastic and I think that says a lot about where cooking currently is in Wales. Events like the Welsh International Culinary Championships are important to turn the spotlight on what is going on in Wales and it’s like a springboard to launch chefs into the wider world.”