A TEENAGER had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work for a day at a Jamie Oliver restaurant in London with chef Jimmy Doherty after winning an award.

Chloe Pettafor, 17, from Benfleet, was thrilled when she was presented with the Jordan Wickersham Rising Star Award at the Cornelius Vermuyden School, on Canvey.

The award was created in memory of former Cornelius pupil Jordan Wickersham; she had just started the second year of a catering course at Harlow College when she was tragically killed in a road accident.

As her hero was Jamie Oliver, the school and her father Nigel Wickersham present an experience day and award to a worthy student every year in her memory.

Chloe, who is now studying catering in London, was the most recent recipient and was delighted to get the chance to attend the Fifteen restaurant in London for the day with chef and presenter Jimmy Doherty.

She said: “Spending the day at Jamie Oliver and Fifteen Restaurant was an absolute dream.

“Jimmy was my mentor for the day and I learnt so much from him. You could tell he was so passionate about the food and it was such a privilege to be taught by him. The day was over far too soon but I left feeling so inspired and motivated to work even harder to become a chef.”

“I have realised even more how much I want to work the industry.

“I learnt so many new skills and techniques such as filleting fish, herb oils, making fish cakes from scratch and dehydrating fruits and also got to spend some time in the pastry section where I tasted the best Chocolate and Hazelnut dessert ever!

“At the end of the day I had a taster of the short rib croquets with prune ketchup which is severed as a bar snack, they were delicious.

“The day started with a tour of the kitchen and meeting all of the chefs. The team made me feel very welcome from the moment I got there with everyone showing me what they we doing.

“I will be forever grateful to Nigel for giving me this opportunity as it was such a unique experience that I will never forget and will look back on for years to come.”

Mr Wickersham added: “I had Jimmy call to tell me what a great attitude and great talent she had.

“He told me Chloe was welcome to go and do some work experience whenever she’d like.

“Because he has had such a positive experience, he has told me we can send someone from Cornelius each year.

“So single handedly, Chloe has continued my daughter’s legacy which I am so grateful to her for. doing”