FROM traditional Thai dishes to a Lancashire bakery, Thai-born Wantanee Jackson has had a wide and varied catering career that has taken her across the world.

Her latest culinary adventure is making traditional English Christmas puddings, mince pies and festive dinners in Nelson.

Wantanee, who lives in Nelson, started as a cook and baker at Newman's this month in time for the Christmas rush. Her previous jobs in catering including a stint at a Thai hotel.

But it was homespun Lancashire recipes that kept her and the rest of the staff at Newman's busy in the run-up to Christmas.

When things quieten down in the New Year, bakery boss Les Gott is hoping to turn Wantanee's talent to more exotic fare. "Wantanee is an asset because she's very keen to learn and she helped us cope in the Christmas rush," said Les, who took over the business from the Newman family in April.

"In future we might offer some Thai specialities alongside our traditional Lancashire fare. I kept the original recipes when I took over but I'm open to new ideas."

Wantanee found new work thanks to the help of Every Opportunity, the women's centre for careers, training and business advice, which is based just a few doors away from Newman's shop in Market Square.

"I had good qualifications but hadn't worked since having my children," said Wantanee.

"I went on a free training course in building self confidence at Every Opportunity and careers adviser Sharon Alexander helped re-vamp by CV and improve my job applications. Through Every Opportunity I was offered two jobs in one week."

Every Opportunity can be contacted on 01282 697575.

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