STUDENT Ryan Hopkinson has won the The Slow Food Dorset Catering Apprentice Award at Weymouth College.

Slow Food Dorset sponsored the award and will, for 2008, be sponsoring a similar award to encourage catering students who show great promise and determination.

Ryan Hopkinson, a Level 3 student who is studying Professional Cooking, received the award for his conscientious hard work and effort.

Jean Alman, who is Ryan's work based learning support officer, said: "Ryan is a very hardworking student who started work as a pot washer at a hotel in Portland as his Saturday job.

"Ryan is learning the trade at every level, and he is totally committed, immaculately turned out in his uniform and always polite and friendly. He also produces food to the highest of standards and we are extremely pleased with his work."

Slow Food Dorset, which has members throughout Dorset, is keen to support students working in the food sector.

In particular, for 2008, the group is keen to support a student learning the bakery trade.

This is linked to Slow Food's national campaign for Slow Bread which will include a national competition, Slow Bread Week, Slow Bread for Teachers and Craft Bakery Courses.

Membership of Slow Food Dorset is open to anyone and new members are welcomed to any event.

Annual membership costs £35, or for a joint membership £47.

Young members (under 26) can also join for £20 per year.

To contact Slow Food Dorset call Christine McFadden on 01308 482784 or christine@cmcfadden.demon.co.uk