FOUR youngsters are aiming to prove they can rustle up something more exotic than a bacon sandwich.

In just eight weeks they hope to have chopped, peeled and diced their way into Bolton celebrity chef Mike Harrison's good books -- and impressed enough to eventually earn themselves a job in a restaurant kitchen.

These are the four young people who were chosen from 35 hopefuls to learn the trade in a crash course, which includes knife handling, food presentation and hygiene.

They had to impress a team of judges with their knowledge of food and enthusiasm for cooking, yet none of them had ever eaten in a top class restaurant.

The scheme, run in conjunction with Bolton Lads' and Girls' Club, is based on the recent popular Jamie Oliver project which helped underprivileged young people get a foot in the door of the restaurant trade.

Mike Harrison was so inspired by Jamie's project, "Fifteen", that he decided to organise a similar scheme in Bolton. So far the four youngsters have enjoyed a meal at a top hotel -- to see how good food is served and presented -- and they have been in the kitchens at The Midland Hotel in Manchester.

They have also been to Salford University to learn how to use kitchen knives.

They wear whites and are enthusiastic about the opportunity they have been given by Mike Harrison and his Chefs' Restaurant at the Paragon Business Park, Horwich.

"They are doing superbly," said Mike. "They are working hard, they turn up on time and are really keen. Some of them will definitely make it."

In April, the would-be chefs will show the knowledge they have acquired by preparing a meal for guests at a charity gala dinner.

The Bolton Evening News will be following their progress.

Here we report on their individual stories as they embark on the opportunity of a lifetime.