A BALA school has received a mouth-watering sum of money to help create Wales’ next top chef.

Ysgol y Berwyn pupils from Years 10 and 11 were provided with a special experience last week, when the head chef from Palé Hall Hotel, Gareth Stevenson and commis chef Ffion visited the school.

The highly trained duo for the five-star country house hotel gave a demonstration on preparing a high-quality meal using local ingredients where possible.

A cheque for £2,000 to the school’s food and nutrition/food technology department was presented by the owners of Palé Hall, Alan and Angela Harper.

The funds will be used to purchase equipment for the food preparation room.

Andrew Roberts, Ysgol y Berwyn headteacher, said: “We are very grateful to Palé Hall Hotel for their generous donation.

“We realise the importance of making links with local businesses.

“During the visit the pupils were able to find out more about various jobs in the hospitality industry, the skills required for those jobs and also watch chefs of the highest calibre creating exquisite meals.”