An Aberporth delicatessen owner hoping to help create ‘the chefs of tomorrow’ has spoken of her delight at receiving a nomination in last month’s Welsh Food Awards.

Mandy Wilcox, of the Deli Delights Kitchen, who was second out of 10 nominations in the cookery school category, received a 'highly commended' accolade.

She holds several classes each month, including a monthly cookery workshop for children from age five and up, teaching life skills, educational weighing and mixing, team work and baking.

She also offers a ‘teens’ class for older, more advanced children who cook and bake regularly.

“Over time I have seen the children develop their confidence in cooking and baking, making new friends and entering local cookery competitions using their new-found skills and techniques, and growing into their own little individual characters,” she said.

“We also have a kitchen garden and I run a garden workshop where we plant edible foods that we can use in our dishes.

“This gives the children opportunities to learn about the different foods and where they come from.

“Alongside the work I am doing with young people, I continue to develop my adult classes and team building workshops. Sessions include chocolate, truffles, introduction to patisserie, and savoury bakes.

“It’s all about lifelong learning for me. Every day I discover something new and use my new-found knowledge to develop my business to meet my customer needs.

“Knowing that every day you are inspiring others to cook and bake is the best reward that anyone can receive.”

“Hopefully I’m having a hand in creating the chefs of tomorrow!”