A FORMER MG Rover worker has cooked up a new career five months after being made redundant.

Colin Pearson, from Perryfields Crescent, Sidemoor, has launched his new business as caterer for Bromsgrove District Council, after losing his job at the Longbridge plant in April.

The 33-year-old's new company, CP Catering, runs the staff canteen and caters for major events at the council, as well as running home catering and large event services.

After spending two years at catering college in Redditch, and a four-year stint at Queens Moat House International in Stratford, Colin moved to Rover, where he worked in manufacturing for ten years.

"I couldn't get a mortgage in Bromsgrove because I wasn't earning enough, so I went to Rover," he said. "But I still catered for staff dinner parties and social events as a hobby."

Having completed a national diploma in management before leaving Rover, Colin was given his big break after contacting the district council's economic development officer Peter Michael.

Colin said: "Peter Michael was looking for ex-Rover workers for manufacturing jobs. I mentioned that I was looking to go back into catering and he asked me to do the council's business Start-up event."

Ironically the event kick-started Colin's business, as he was asked to move into the kitchen at the Spadesbourne Suite.

Despite being shell-shocked at losing his job at Rover, Colin's redundancy has now turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

"Initially, like everyone else, I was extremely worried about what I was going to do, but I'd always wanted to go back into catering. I regard myself as very lucky because in the end it did me a favour, although I still feel extremely sad for the other 6,000 people that lost their jobs."

For more information visit www.cpcatering.uk.com or call 07766357301.