A WEST Devon chef has given the thumbs up to the launch of a benchmark practical exam for chefs. Peter Gorton, head chef at the Horn of Plenty Hotel, Gulworthy, says he sees the new Triple A awards as a way of sorting the dedicated from the also-rans. The Triple A, Applied Ability Awards, were designed and delivered by members of the new AAA National Committee, with renowned culinary expert Prue Leith as chair. The launch of the exam has sparked unprecedented co-operation between many chef organisations, who are now speaking as one and joining forces to oversee the delivery of Triple A. Peter, who is on the committee, said: 'People need to be tested, to face the threat of failure. 'In the industry they are tested every day — by their bosses, by the customers and by the pressure of the business. The joy of seeing these young people tackling a tough exam is terrific. They are so up for it and enthused.' Working chefs, adult returners, or newly qualified college students, regardless of whether they learnt to cook at granny's apron strings, at college or in a Michelin Star restaurant, can try for the AAA Trainee Chef Award or the AAA Chef Award depending on their level of skill. The initiative was conceived by the British Food Trust, and a successful mini-pilot with 100 candidates was conducted earlier this year. Now the Edge Foundation has agreed to support the scheme for a further two years, after which it is hoped the Triple A will be widespread and self-funding. For more information visit, http://www.greatbritishkitchen.co.uk/bft_aa">www.greatbritishkitchen.co.uk/bft_aa a.htm