AN award-winning restaurant has just welcomed a new head chef.

Shane Goodway, 26, who studied at North Oxfordshire Catering College and who has worked for top chef's Michael Caines and Michel Roux, has taken the helm at Ilkley's Box tree restaurant which was won a Michelin award.

Mdme Avis, owner of The Box Tree for the last ten years, wanted to get back to the traditional type of French cuisine that has been enjoyed by diners over the years.

She said: "I wanted someone who could fulfil the modern French type, like Michel Roux and Michael Caines.

"Shane has come straight from L' Arpege and is absolutely brilliant."

It was Michel Roux who first encouraged Mr Goodway to go to France, first to La Reserve de Beaulieu, Relais et Chateau - holder of two Michelin stars - under Christophe Cussec.

He had previously worked at the Morel French Restaurant as 1st commis chef, Gidleigh Park under Michael Caines and the Waterside Inn under Michel Roux.

Since March 2001 he has worked at L' Arpege - three Michelin stars - under Alain Passard.

Mr Goodway brings with him another talented young chef, Tristan Welsh, 22, who received the academy of Culinary Arts Award of Excellence 2000.

He beat six other finalists out of an overall 200 competitors to win the award.

Mr Welsh has worked at City Rhodes, Aubergine, Le Gavroche, and most recently L'Arpege, in Paris, where the pair met.

Mdme Avis said: "Both of them are brilliant."

Diners at the Box Tree can expect modern French cuisine of the highest standards.

Mdme Avis said: "Only the best will do. The best chefs, the best service, the best ingredients."

Mr Goodway said: "They should expect something they have never seen before."

The Box Tree has had many well-known chefs pass through its doors over the years but Mr Goodway wants to forge his own path.

He said: "My experience already influences my career. I have worked for some great chefs at the highest levels.

"I have a lot to prove and work for. Every place I have worked is individual.

"I intend to take everything I have learned and put it into The Box Tree."

Both Michael Caines and Michel Roux support him and feel that Mr Goodway is ready to take the helm at the Box Tree.

The Box Tree is featured in the Michelin Red Guide of Great Britain and Ireland and holds a single star, awarded to 'very good' restaurants.