Dishing up his expert advice.

A former engineer and self-made entrepreneur is set to inspire County Durham youngsters and help equip them with the skills they need for careers in industry - thanks to a new job as a training instructor.

Self-employed restaurateur, chef and bistro owner Paul Ainsley is returning to his engineering roots and cooking up some different plans, having taken up his new training post with South West Durham Training.

Paul, 35, has a wealth of engineering experience under his belt from a 17-year career at neighbouring Black & Decker, where he became European quality manager.

Paul joins the Newton Aycliffe based training provider, where he was himself an apprentice in his youth, as an electrical and electronics tutor.

He will also play an instrumental role in the roll out and development of the company's three-year part-time foundation degree in engineering technology.

"When I saw the job advertised, I had to go for it," said Paul. "It's an exciting challenge and in many respects a change in direction from the last two years.

"It's been great to set up my own business in the hospitality sector, but my real expertise lies in engineering and the opportunity to put something back and coach young people was too good to pass up.

"SW Durham Training is a progressive company, so we have state-of-the-art engineering facilities on site to give young apprentices all the training and skills development they need."

A chartered engineer, Paul added a diploma in business administration to his electrical engineering degree, and has a string of training qualifications on an impressive CV.

"Paul has all the ingredients and qualifications for success," added SW Durham Training chief executive, Bob Waller. "It's an added bonus we've been able to recruit someone involved in running his own business."