A cooking student has given up his holiday to work in a Heston Blummenthal restaurant.

Callum Milnes, from Hallow, spent two weeks developing his skills as a pastry chef at the two Michelin starred Mandarin Oriental in Hyde Park.

He had the chance to learn recipes, try new cooking techniques and prepare and plate food.

Callum, aged 19, said: “Being in this restaurant has been an amazing experience.

“It’s exactly the type of environment I want to work in after I’ve finished my course.

“I’ve learned a lot more about working in a busy kitchen where standards are really high.

"It’s made me even more aware of the need to pay attention to detail with the dishes I create from now on so that each one is as perfect as the next."

Callum has been studying advanced professional cookery at the Kidderminster Academy, where staff organised the placement.

Chris Hughes, chef lecturer at the academy, said: “This insight into fine dining has been an amazing experience for Callum.

"We congratulate him on the professional conduct he displayed throughout his placement and for being such a great student ambassador of the Academy.”

Mandarin Oriental is one of only 21 restaurants in the UK to hold two Michelin stars.

A cookery academy session for young chefs will be running at Kidderminster Academy on Saturday, June 7 and details are available by visiting kidderminsteracademy.co.uk