CHEF Lee Parry will be putting all the cooking experience gained as a soldier in the Royal Logistics Corp into his new job with a leading Gwent catering business.

Lee, aged 30, from Caerphilly, who saw service with his regiment in Iraq, Afghanistan and Germany, has been appointed chef with Green Apple Catering.

The Newport-based firm, which caters for the needs of businesses and individuals, weddings, funerals and for events such as training days, is looking to expand its operations and has put Lee in the frontline of the push.

Green Apple owner Kath Lewis said: “Lee has a wealth of experience in all aspects of catering which we will be putting to good use in expanding our offering over the coming months.

“Lee’s military catering background means that he is wonderful not just in his cooking skills but also in being totally organised and methodical. As well as being chef for Green Apple Catering a key part of his role will be in developing new business.”

Lee, who started working in kitchens part-time when he was just 15 and who served in the armed forces for six years, is relishing the opportunities presented by his new role.

“I love cooking but I am also looking forward to having the ability to secure new business. Green Apple is a growing business and we have a number of really exciting ideas which we are now looking to progress.

Lee, who has worked in a team preparing food for as many as 3,000 hungry soldiers while on manoeuvres to fine dining for the officer’s mess and restaurant and pub fayre, is looking forward to getting the chance to use his skills as part of Green Apple Catering’s private dining and its barbeque catering.

“All the experience I have gathered over the years means that I can turn my hand to almost anything in the field of catering. I can’t wait to put all that knowledge into practice in the field for Green Apple Catering.”

For more details visit www.greenapplecatering.co.uk