AN AUTISTIC man who could only make a pot noodle when he was a teenager has scooped a job as a top chef.

Liam Pope could not cook and only had the popular brand of instant noodles in his repertoire.

But now the 21-year-old is now a chef at one of the country’s top girl’s boarding school.

Liam will be cooking a storm as chef de partie at Wycombe Abbey girl’s school in Buckinghamshire where pupils pay £37,800 a year.

The massive transformation comes after Liam developed a passion for cooking as student at LVS Hassocks school in Sayers Common.

In 2010 he was only able to make a pot noodle and had not thoughts of a future career.

But after meeting celebrity chef Paul Rankin at the school’s official opening in 2011, his interest was sparked by cooking.

By the time he left LVS Hassocks at 17, Liam had a culinary future thanks to hands-on work experience and an NVQ qualification in cooking and academic qualifications.

He went on to a permanent position with food services and facilities management company Sodexo, winning their Young Chef of the Year.

Now he is starting a new challenge at one of the UK’s leading boarding schools.

He said: “LVS Hassocks gave me the opportunity to cook for myself as a way of becoming independent which triggered my interest in cooking as a career.

“As I became more interested they allowed me to cook in the school kitchen with the catering team there to get used to the equipment and what to expect.

“They also set up valuable work experience for me with the Yummy Pub Co in Surrey.

“It all combined to make a huge difference to me.”

LVS Hassocks director of SEN Sarah Sherwood said: “I have known Liam since he joined us and it has been amazing to see him progress.

“The school set him on his way to success by nurturing his interest in cooking from just seeing a flicker of engagement and it has led to a growing career.

“Liam is now an independent and ambitious young man enjoying life and his career.

“This is a great example to all the learners that we are currently developing through work experience, qualifications and the building their independence.