STUDENTS served up a top-class Ritz-style dinner and jazz evening to famous friends.

Thames Valley University's (TVU) London School of Hospitality and Tourism staged the event to celebrate the new Industry Advisory Group (IAG), putting on a five-star dining experience for top names in the creative industries, including Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council and Steven Barlow, conductor and composer.

As well as the student chefs' culinary delights, pupils from the London College of Music (LCM) and Trinity College of Music (TCM) played jazz pieces led by renowned classical pianist Gwilym Simcock, at the Pillars restaurant.

Emily Frances, an LCM student, said: "I learned so much during my masterclass with Gwilym Simcock and it was an honour to play in front of him at the Industry Advisory Group launch. The food was delicious and it was hugely rewarding to be part of this unique event."

In a first for west London, the IAG will mean TVU joins forces with key figures in the creative arts sector, including specialists from the world of performing arts, film and fashion, helping to maintain the university's good record in student employability.

The dinner was made under the watchful eye of John Williams, executive chef of the Ritz in London. Students served a mouth-watering feast, starting with a delicate sauce of Jerusalem artichoke with hazelnut oil, followed by rosette of lamb with aubergine compote, roast onion puree and jus natural, and ending with panna cotta with exotic fruits and mango dessert.

Other highlights of the event included the presentation to 84-year-old Eddie Harvey, for outstanding contribution to music, for his work in the development of British jazz education, and a toe-tapping Irish jig performed by Gwilym and Dermot Crehan.

Agniezska Piotrowska, filmmaker and a member of the new IAG said: "The food, company and music were stupendous! I hope to be collaborating with TVU before long."