MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace gave his seal of approval to Swale Skills Centre’s (SSC) new catering course.

Students fired up the hotplates for its official opening on Saturday with a banquet.

Whitstable resident Mr Wallace was invited along because he is a sponsor to the new café in the centre and knows principal Clayton Laker.

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The 51-year-old, who has fronted the BBC hit show for 10 years, said he was certain the centre has a bright future.

“What I want to see is the youngsters embracing the industry, getting the most from it and for me to be eating in their restaurants in the years to come,” he said.

The £1.3 million skills centre, based at St Michaels Road, Sittingbourne, opened in September and includes an industrial standard stainless kitchen with its own café.

Video: Gregg Wallace visited the Swale Skills Centre.

Designed by Kent Design Studio, the catering and hospitality section hosts up to 16 students who will learn all about the trade.

The centre already boasts a growing apprenticeship programme, developed with local businesses.

Students will also gain valuable customer service experience by working in the café, learning how to set up, and wait at tables.

Head chef Oliver Ross said: “The future is very exciting and I hope to give the people of Sittingbourne an outlet that can serve breakfast and lunches of high quality.”

Mr Laker said: “There is definitely a skills shortage in Sittingbourne and Sheppey, the kind of courses we’re running will not only help the students learn but set them up for life.”

With a £100 million regeneration coming to the town, Mr Laker was keen to point out the benefits SSC would bring to the community.

“They’re going to put in cafes, restaurants and hair salons, so we wanted to make sure we train and provide the young people that will go into those facilities.”

“Gregg has already asked if we could put our top students into some of his friends to London restaurants,” he said.