A FORMER West Somerset College pupil has been living the dream in the South of France after being invited to join the team at a top restaurant.

Millie Don, who finished her Level 2 in Professional Cookery at the college earlier this year, moved there in the summer.

She has joined fellow Somerset chef Sam Salway at Chez Dies.

Millie said: “I had originally planned to work here for two months but I have chosen to stay on for a further month. “Working with Sam has been amazing.”

From a young age, Millie spent time in the kitchen with her mother and grandmother. She can recall baking cakes and afternoon treats with them.

Her passion for cooking was brought out by the college’s chef lecturer, Werner Hartholt.

“Werner’s passionate approach and love of the catering business highlights his extreme talent,” Milie added.

“This gave me my inspiration and focus to realise that I can be like that, too.”

“He is a real role model for me and Werner has pushed me out of my comfort zone, to try new things, constantly reinforcing my belief in my own capabilities.”

Werner Hartholt said: “For Millie to be able to gain work experience is great.

“It just shows that when becoming a chef, the world is your oyster.

“Millie is working with Sam Salway, who trained with me here on Exmoor, too, before he headed to France where he worked in high class restaurants in Paris before moving South”.

Millie said working in France was a dream come true as her passion lies with patisserie.

She added: “My plans are to complete my course, and to travel and increase my skills by using all the different cooking styles and techniques around the world.

“I want to stay humble – it’s not my ambition to work in Michelin star restaurants.

“I just intend to be truly happy in my job and enjoy every day I’m there and to please the clients with my food and ideas.”