A GROUND-breaking scholarship is being piloted at an Ealing university which aims to find the Indian culinary stars of the future.

The University of West London launched the scheme – the first of its kind in the UK – on Monday at an event at Pillars Restaurant.

The scholarship offers students the chance to develop their careers at the high-end of Asian cuisine and restaurant management.

It has been set up with the backing of the Department for Communities and Local Government and the financial support of businessman Lord Noon, head of Noon Foods and sometimes known as the ‘curry king’ of Britain.

As well as learning advanced cooking techniques and management skills, scholarship students will also undertake work placements at top Asian restaurants.

They will receive mentoring from some of the country’s most talented chefs and restauranteurs, including award-winning Atul Kochhar, Vivek Singh and Cyrus Todiwala.

Government communities secretary Eric Pickles spoke at the event.

He said: “This is an industry worth over £3billion to the economy and we are fully committed to supporting British talent, all the way through from our favourite local curry houses and takeaways right up to our world-leading restaurants.

“We want to ensure employees have the right skills and that Britain remains one of the best places in the world for our chefs and managers to train.”

Professor David Foskett, head of the university’s London School of Hospitality and Tourism, said: “This is a unique and wonderful opportunity for students who are interested in South Asian culinary arts.

“This initiative from the secretary of state is warmly welcomed and demonstrates the government’s commitment to this important sector of the economy.

“It also underlines the emerging importance of South Asian cuisine on the global stage and the learning and career opportunities now available to students.”

Tajinder Singh, 24, was one of the first recipients of the scholarship. He said: “It’s a great feeling to be part of this. Ideally I’d like to run my own restaurant business some day and this is the first step to helping me achieve that.”

The launch ended with a mouth-watering Asian brunch, prepared by Southall’s very own The Brilliant restaurant.