The highest standards of hospitality and culinary training are ensured at Gloscats new campus in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - thanks to a new partnership with Robert Rees, director of The Country Elephant Ltd and award winning chef.

Some new and exciting courses are about to start at Gloscats Academy of Culinary Excellence and restaurant - which will developed with Robert - and which is scheduled to open in September.

The academy and restaurant, part of the £23m development for Gloscat will offer food using the finest of Gloucestershires local produce and the food and education packages will be amongst the best in the UK, says the organisers.

The academy will offer essential courses to employers in the hospitality and tourism industries such as National Vocational Qualifications, Welcome Host, HACCP and hygiene training together with tailor made courses to suit every type of cook from the beginner to the gourmet.

The director of service industries at the academy, Mrs Sally Hebbs and her team will also develop courses designed to add real relevance to all sectors of the Hospitality and Tourism Industry in Gloucestershire. It is also planned that courses are likely to range form those for farmers and producers looking to upskill and add value to their business as well as courses for children and young adults to increase access to after school cookery clubs.

Robert Rees said: "This is a celebration of real partnership between education, business and various communities in the county. So many can benefit from this such as Gloucestershires producers, local tourism our training providers and an industry needing to up-skill its workforce as well as motivating newcomers into a sector struggling to grow with quality at its core. Members of the public and lovers of food will really get to enjoy all that it brings. Delivering quality and relevant skills to such an important sector in the county is long overdue."