CHRISTMAS has come early for Warrington and Vale Royal College's hospitality and catering department after it earned a prestigious award.

Buckley's restaurant, based in Warrington, has been given a gold highly commended AA College Rosette – the maximum that can be awarded.

Hard work and dedication paid off for the department after it also received a silver People 1st award.

Andrew Macleod, curriculum manager for hospitality and catering, said: "Receiving an AA College Rosette is an incredible achievement and something we as a department are extremely proud of.

"It really shows how much work we are putting in here at the college to ensure our learners are getting the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in industry.

"Buckley’s is not just a place for students to come and learn about hospitality and catering – it is a state-of-the-art commercial restaurant, one which they leave as qualified chefs and front-of house professionals.

"Receiving this award just shows all of the hard work, dedication and commitment the department has demonstrated to get us to this point – onwards and upwards for another great year.

The AA College Rosette scheme aims to recognise students who are the future of the industry.

In his report, inspector Ewan Davidson described food at Buckley's as having 'the wow factor', and said level three students showed good leadership and mentoring skills.

Former Winsford Academy student Poppy-Jay Nash, who travels from Winsford to study her level two course, added: "I feel really proud to be a student here and to be a part of this department.

"I absolutely love the course and everything about it. Last year, before the colleges merged, I did my first year of the course at the Winsford campus but now I’m able to benefit from the industry-standard facilities that we have here at Warrington.

"I’m learning so much stuff that will be invaluable should I choose to make a career as a chef."