COLLEGE students have been serving up a treat while learning about kitchen safety with the help of Cleveland Fire Brigade.

The cook-off, which is part of the brigade’s Kitchen Safety campaign, saw students from colleges in Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Stockton compete against each other.

Judges included three chefs - Krimo Bouabda from Hartlepool’s Krimo’s Restaurant, Martin Moore from Yarm’s Lotus Lounge and Alan O’Kane from Wynyard Hall Hotel and Spa - and Phil Lancaster, Director of Community Protection for Cleveland Fire Brigade.

And Stockton Riverside College students Laura Allen and Shannon Hardy won with their Tomato and Basil Gnocchi dish.

The Cleveland Fire Support Network - a voluntary group who works alongside the Brigade – organised the cooking competition.

Chief executive, Heather Whyman, said: “The cooking competition is around local colleges and students because this is the time in their lives when many students start to live independently and spend more time in the kitchen preparing and cooking meals.

“Two-thirds of house fires start in the kitchen and we will be advising people how incidents can be avoided and how they can stay safe.”

During the campaign, which includes National Chip Week (February 18-24), firefighters will also be out and about spreading safety messages and handing out information.

Mr Lancaster said: “This is a really important and high profile campaign as the majority of house fires across Cleveland start in the kitchen and by following a few simple tips, they could be prevented.”

People can visit the brigade’s kitchen safety house and find out further safety information at clevelandfire.gov.uk/kitchen

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