TALENTED artists looking for a route into the creative industry have had their work published in a best-selling cookbook.

Jamie Griffiths and Emily Gibbs worked with the Conwy Enterprise Hub to produce stunning artwork for Secret Dishes from Around the World 2, which features low cost, healthy recipes from across the globe.

It was published by Bounceback Food, a community interest company (CIC) that serves people in food poverty in North Wales and North West England.

The duo signed up for the Conwy County Borough Council's Communities for Work programme and Mr Griffiths, from Colwyn Bay, was became a volunteer chef for the Sit and Stew project.

But it was his artistic flare for capturing Turkish cuisine on paper that most impressed the Bounceback competition judges who searched for 20 pictures to complement the book's recipe ideas.

Ms Gibbs, from Conwy, was successful after designing images to showcase the cuisine of New Zealand.

Mr Griffiths said: “I was flattered and a bit humbled when asked to present some of my images for consideration to the Bounceback team.

“It’s been really gratifying to know that my illusions can go some way in alleviating societies burgeoning spectre of food poverty.”

Ms Gibbs added: “This is quite possibly the coolest thing I’ve ever done, and I’m proud of the piece I made.

“I hope the book does well and feel like doing this project has shown me what I’m capable; it’s definitely helped my self-belief.”

The new-look employment hub incorporates the successful Communities for Work, Communities for Work Plus, ADTRAC and PaCE programmes, providing anyone aged 16 and above who is not in employment, school or college with access to mentors and advisors who can help 'remove barriers' and enhance their future career prospects.

The everyday pressures of life are often major obstacles, which is where they step in, helping with things such as transport costs, childcare support, tenancy and housing issues as well as arranging food parcels and supporting people with their mental health.

Libby Duo, Conwy’s principal officer for skills and employability, congratulated the pair for their contributions.

“We have worked closely with Bounceback for many years and we are so proud of both of them for producing such brilliant artwork, both pieces are fantastic,” she said.

“Most importantly, it gave them vital experience in the creative sector, which is where they both see their futures, and helped build their confidence – congratulations Emily and Jamie, what an incredible achievement.”

Duncan Swainsbury, director of Bounceback, added: “Secret Dishes has been a wonderful project to work on and will raise vital funds for our organisation.

“It's a truly unique cookbook that shows how, despite the many restrictions of 2020, creativity and community spirit can still flourish.

“We're thrilled with the artwork that Emily and Jamie have produced for the book in their respective sections, it looks magnificent! They've both gained an enormous amount of confidence and self-belief by being involved in its production.”

For more information call 01492 575578 or visit www.conwy.gov.uk