A young chef from Lancashire has taken home the accolade of 'Outstanding Achiever of the Year' at City & Guild’s prestigious annual Lion Awards, held at the Brewery in London.

Chris Kenny is only 19 years old yet his CV already includes enviable positions at some of the UK's best restaurants including Simply Heathcotes, the Ivy and a permanent position at Mark Dodson's Le Manoir aux Quatre Saisons. Chris celebrated his incredible achievement with six other Lion Award winners and over 115 exceptional learners and lecturers, from all around the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

City & Guilds awards qualifications to over 1.5 million learners each year, many of whom go on to achieve phenomenal success in their chosen careers. It is these learners that have been nominated and judged as worthy of recieving a Medal for Excellence or the ultimate prize, a Lion Award.

Leading figures from industry and education attended the event to celebrate exceptional learners, teachers, external verifiers and trainers. The guest of honour was Chris Collins, well-known as the Blue Peter gardener who was himself awarded a prestigious medal last year by the Duke of Edinburgh, President of City & Guilds.

This year Lion Awards were presented to seven winners, each selected from the ‘Medals for Excellence’ nominee’s list, for their amazing accomplishments in specified categories such as Community Supporter, Creative Crafts Person, Small Business Learner, Life Long Learner, Innovator, FE Sector and Outstanding Achiever of the Year.

Head of Corporate Affairs, Andrew Sich, said: ‘The Lion Awards ceremony is hugely significant to students and the education system, as it highlights the inspirational efforts made by those who have been successful in gaining a City & Guilds certificate and those who are involved in delivering courses. They fully deserve the recognition afforded by this great event.’

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For further information on Medals for Excellence or for images of prize winners.

Press Contacts:
Phillipa Thomas – 0207 294 3437
phillipa.thomas@cityandguilds.com
Shakira Fullwood-Gayle – 0207 294 8054
shakira.fullwoodgayle@cityandguilds.com

Notes to Editors:

Winners

Chris Kenny – ‘Outstanding Achiever of the Year’
Participated in three work placements, all at top UK restaurants, while studying. His first placement was with the restaurant Simply Heathcotes in Wrightington for two months. The second was at Le Manoir aux Quatre Saisons in Devon under Michelin starred chef Mark Dodson and his final placement was at the Ivy in London for two months. Chris has recently accepted a permanent position at Le Manoir aux Quatre Saisons. Chris obtained his Level 3 NVQ in Professional Cookery at Runshaw College, Lancashire.  His achievements were also recently recognised by the Cooks’ Company. In his spare time Chris enjoys photography and flying power kites. In the future Chris would like to run a Michelin starred restaurant, maybe even chain!

Barbara Coote – ‘Community Supporter of the Year’
Barbara has dedicated her career to the Health and Social Care sector having worked as a Carer since the age of 16, she is now a manager at a residential home, works with schools in the local community and is a firm believer in offering high quality care. 

She feels passionately about getting community acceptance for the adults she works with, and to aid this encourages them to actively take part in the local community. Barbara obtained a Level 3 NVQ in Health and Social Care (Adults) at Isle of Anglesey County Council, recently completing an ILM qualification in first Line Management; she is now studying the Level Registered Manager Award.

Peter Kumarasinhe – ‘Creative Crafts Person of the Year’
A gifted jewellery maker who displays innovation and originality in his work. Peter had a varied career working as a chef and running his own dry cleaning business, when he f decided to turn his childhood passion for collecting minerals and gems into a career. Recognised by the British Jewellery Association, the work produced by Peter has been consistently outstanding. 

Peter obtained a Level 3 Certificate in Design and Craft (3D Studies) at London Metropolitan University, he has recently completed ‘The Diamond Diploma’ and plans to complete the second year of his City & Guilds Diploma in Jewellery Design.  He would eventually like to start his own jewellery making company.

Manisha Patel – ‘Small Business Learner of the Year’
Manisha gave up a lucrative career as a Software Consultant to concentrate on Floristry and spend more time with her family. Already making a name for herself in the commercial world, Manisha manages a hectic family life alongside running her business. She obtained her Level 3 Advanced National Certificate in Floristry at Barnfield College South, Luton. Manisha’s Floristry business is called ‘Bloom’ and is based in Letchworth Garden City. She volunteers at the local Cricket club where she participates in fund raising events to support youth cricket in Luton.

James Chalmers – ‘Lifelong Learner of the Year’
James Chalmers spent 32 years in the Police Force retiring in the rank of Chief Superintendent, also adding a further 12 years to his CV working as a Football Licensing Authority Inspector. James has repeatedly come out of retirement and now takes time to support others in their learning. He himself has completed no less than seven other qualifications in Risk and Security Management, Arena and Stadium Safety and Spectator Control. He has also recently been made a fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management. James has two children and is grandfather to three.

Cheryl Owen – ‘Innovator of the Year’
Small business owner turned entrepreneur, Cheryl Owen made her first coffee shop into a successful franchise, plugging a clear gap in the local market. Cheryl is constantly pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved and with the creation of her Italian-style cafés.

She offers work placements to apprentices and has been instrumental in developing links between retail outlets and the local community. Cheryl obtained her Level 3 Catering and Hospitality qualification at Hyfforddiant Mon Training and would eventually like to complete her A1 Assessor qualification. Cheryl is not a stranger to such accolades and has received recognition at the Modern Apprenticeship Awards Wales 2007.

Luke Taylor – ‘FE Sector of the Year’
Luke has shown a great deal of determination to gain his qualification, being partially sighted he has overcome extreme personal difficulties to get where he has today. His determination to succeed is unwavering which has earned the respect and admiration of his peers and tutors at college. Luke obtained his Entry Level Certificate in Adult Numeracy from Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education, with plans to study Entry Level Media.