A 10-year-old boy from Hampshire joined a panel of high-flying experts at an annual trade show to share why he wants to be a chef.

Robin Ashley, from Valley Park in Chandler’s Ford, was part of the skills panel alongside his headteacher Dawn Harrison at Business South’s 16th Local Produce Trade Show at the Hilton at the Utilita Bowl (previously Ageas Bowl).

The St Francis Church of England pupil bravely spoke to a room of 60 food and drink exhibitors and hundreds of buyers to explain why he has dreams of becoming a chef at the event on Tuesday, February 6.

Robin was among a cross-generational panel including first-generation Romsey farmer Emma Hunt, retired Michelin chef Herbert Berger and head chefs Andrew Gault, of Street Pub Co and Jamie Holmes from Hilton at the Utilita Bowl.

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Daily Echo: Robin on the skills panelRobin on the skills panel (Image: Adele Bouchard)

“I have never done anything like this before but it’s a good experience. I mostly want to be a chef because my dad is one and he has inspired me.

“It’s important to know what food you are eating and eat healthy so your body stays in good condition. I haven’t cooked much as I’m only 10 but I like making pancakes for dessert on Fridays, it’s hard to choose a favourite dish.

“I first wanted to be a chef when I was around seven or eight years old and I have already been thinking it through. If I become a chef I can cook for lots of people and work for my dad.

“No matter how hard it is, I know I will get there. I hope to be back here as one of the experts.”

Daily Echo: Headteacher Dawn Harrison with pupil RobinHeadteacher Dawn Harrison with pupil Robin (Image: Adele Bouchard)

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Headteacher Dawn Harrison said: “I’m incredibly proud of Robin, he gave some fantastic advice and some really important messages to the grown-ups in the room.

“As part of the curriculum throughout the school, there are different topics that link with careers. We have events like STEM week where experts come in and World Book Day. We’re trying to give that opportunity within the learning so children can see that there are other jobs out there.”

After hearing from the top chefs speak about the pressures of the industry, Robin said: “I think that I should still be a chef when I grow up. I would like to have my own restaurant – that would be really good to achieve.”

Offering his advice to anyone else wanting to enter the food and drink industry, Robin said: “If you have a dream, keep working hard and I promise you will get there.”