Student Hayley Smith has realised her ambition of a restaurant career, after getting help from the head chef at a Trowbridge firm to find an apprenticeship.

Hayley, 16, of Hilperton, will soon be training at Bath’s Priory Hotel, thanks to Phil Rimmer, the head chef for frozen food manufacturer Apetito.

The catering student, who attends Frome College, said: “Phil has helped me a lot. I don’t think I would have got a place as good as this without him. I am particularly interested in making pastry and desserts, but I’ll put my hand to anything.

“I’ve wanted to do this since I was six or seven, so I’m very excited about it.”

She completed her work experience at Trough’s Cafe in Avoncliff and Babington House in Mells, where one of her dishes appeared on the a la carte menu.

Mr Rimmer arranged for Hayley to work at a two Michelin-starred gastro pub, the Hand in the Flower, in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

He said: “Hayley has a real passion for food that will only be enhanced by working for award-winning chef Sam Moody in the thriving hotel that is The Priory.” The Priory was recently voted in at number five in the South West in the Sunday Times Food List.

Sarah Petroff, team leader of hospitality at Frome College, said: “Hayley is a highly motivated student and passionate about being a chef. She has thrived under the pressure of a professional kitchen and maximised every opportunity to learn as much as she can about the industry.

“We are extremely grateful to Phil for all the hard work and encouragement he has offered to all our pupils, in particular Hayley.”