Southampton City College is providing school children with an opportunity to become the next Jamie Oliver in its new Saturday catering classes - Junior Chefs Club. The first of its kind at the college, the course has proved to be so popular amongst the youngsters that a second class had to be provided.

The course is designed for young people who have a keen interest in catering and who would like the chance to develop their culinary skills in a fun and exciting way. The menu on the first day was Vegetable Parcels with pickled tomatoes, Curried Salmon with Lemon Risotto, and Pork with Potato Cake, all to be created by the budding chefs in just over two hours.

Martin Nash, catering lecturer, said: "The atmosphere was electric, and a lot of hard work and concentration was going on. The overwhelming feeling you had when walking around the kitchens was one of real enjoyment, where students were learning how to be a Junior Chef. I can see the potential in many of them and already some could be a great asset to my kitchen."

The students all seem to be having great fun and wanted to show off their skills to friends and family. Colin from Woolston School said: "I was interested in doing the course, because I really enjoy cooking as my Nan is a chef. The course is really good fun."

Gemma, from Sholing Girls' School, said: "My cousin is a catering student at Southampton City College and told me how good catering at the college is. I love cooking and am really enjoying it here."

Emma, from Sholing Girls', said: "What makes it so much fun is that I'm learning loads of different cooking techniques and I'll get to practise my new skills when I cook a meal for my parents at the end. Some things have been a bit complicated, but the teachers are so helpful and friendly."

Schools liaison officer Lawrence Mizzi has helped some of the young hopefuls on to the course - what did he think of the final meals created?

"For a start not, only did it look fantastic, and would look good in any top restaurant, but it tasted out of this world. I had the pleasure of tasting the Vegetable Parcels, and sumptuous was the word that came in mind. With training like that, we certainly are creating the chefs of the future, and what better place to come than Southampton City College?"

The course is being supported by the generous sponsorship of Hampshire Fare and Wickham Vineyard.