Level 3 Professional Cookery student, Marley Rimmer is flying out to Venice, Italy on May 4th to compete in the final of the international app-based culinary competition, the CombiGuru Challenge.

The former Parklands High School pupil reached the finals after demonstrating his knowledge of the app, and then his culinary skills, preparing a main course and a dessert.

He said:

"I feel that this is a great opportunity to represent the college in this international competition and to also showcase my skills. I am also excited to be going to Venice and make good links with chefs which may benefit my future career and will certainly help for working under pressure in the future!"

Marley, who lives in Chorley, will be competing against 24 students in the ‘The Oven Challenge’, a two dish preparation, of which the ingredients are unknown at this stage.

The finalists will also get to have dinner at Michelin starred restaurant, Bocon Divino as part of the finalist prize package which also includes a day in Venice surrounded by gondoliers, cicchetti, ombre de vin and a little culture.

The students, accompanied by their teachers, will have the opportunity to find out more about the ways and customs of an ancient people and enjoy a gastronomical experience amidst the “bacari” of the lagoon.

Lecturer B Hospitality and Catering, Dawn Coles added: "We are so proud of Marley. We have seen him develop his skills to a high standard and seeing him reach the final will be an amazing experience for him which is deserving of his attitude and dedication."

Marley recently won the Level 3 Professional Cookery competition at the Greater Manchester Colleges Skills Competition and has also done work experience at the 3 starred Michelin restaurant L’Enclume.

"Since being at college I have developed my finesse and getting to do competitions like the GM Colleges skills competition and doing work experience at L'Enclume has helped with my refinement."