TWO former Trafford College hospitality students who went on to carve out careers as professional chefs are hoping to impress judges with their culinary prowess by appearing as contestants in the new series of Bake Off: The Professionals.

Exose Grant Lopo-Ndinga (22), from Chorlton, and Sanjam Nagpal (20), from Stretford, graduated from the college in 2016 with Level 3 diplomas in Pastry and Confectionery.

Exoset now works at James Martin Manchester’s casino restaurant while Sanjam is a Pastry Chef at the Dorchester Hotel in London.

They are among 12 professional pairs from across the UK going head to head in a series of culinary challenges, from making gateaux Basques to tarte tatin.

Exose said: "It was unreal to actually be in something we have watched on television, but so useful because we had feedback from two of the top pastry chefs in the country.

“We owe a lot to our lecturers at Trafford College for sharing their skills, knowledge and expertise."

Sanjam added: “We are so grateful to Trafford College for giving us space to practise. If we hadn’t have had that, we might not have got through the first round!"

Matt Shaw, of the college, said: "We’re really excited to see Grant and Sanjam on Bake Off: The Professionals this year and we’ll be following their progress ”

The pastry chefs face two challenges per episode that test their professional ability and encourage them to demonstrate their creative flair. You can tune in and show your support at 8pm on Tuesdays, Channel 4.