A YOUNG chef has been served up with his dream job after being offered a chance to work for TV star Gordon Ramsay.

Andrew West, 20, of Louviers Road, Littlemoor, attended a two-day taster course at Mr Ramsay's London restaurant at Claridge's Hotel in the hope of bringing back 'some fresh ideas' to his work at Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester.

But he was surprised to be taken aside by Claridge's head chef Mark Sargeant and offered a full-time permanent position as a commis chef, or trainee.

Mr West said: "I had been having a look at the different sections in the kitchen to get a flavour of what they do. "The two-day course is not designed as a way of hiring new staff and so I was really surprised when Mark offered me a place.

"Now I can't wait to go and although I am nervous I'm excited as well.

"The prospect of meeting and working for Gordon Ramsay is a little daunting but I am sure that once I find my feet I will be fine."

Mr West has already left his job catering for business functions and wedding receptions at the college and will be moving to a new flat in London on Monday ready to start work. He added: "After doing a couple of jobs when I left school I became interested in catering.

"I got my NVQ level three at Weymouth College and my first job was working at the Turks Head restaurant in Chickerell where I stayed for three years. From there I went to the college.

"Working with Gordon Ramsay is going to be completely different, though, as it is a three-star Michelin restaurant.

"They have 20 chefs, all working in different sections. "I want to become proficient in all areas of the kitchen with the aim of one day becoming a master chef."

Mr West's mother Jenny said that although it was sad to see him go she was delighted at how his future was shaping up. She said: "It's such an amazing opportunity for Andrew.

"I know Gordon has a bit of reputation but I have heard he's much nicer in person and Andrew can give just as good as he gets."