A WOMAN who has worked as a chef in Australia, South Africa, and Asia is hitting the road once again – although this time she’s a bit closer to home.

Mouse Straker, of High Warden, has expanded her thriving catering business, Citrus Catering, into food trucks.

Mouse launched the business in 2016 after returning to her native North-East, turning an empty building next to the Boatside Inn into a fully equipped kitchen.

Since then, the distinctive logo featuring a lemon and lime has been a regular feature at weddings, corporate events, and much of the summer season of outdoor sports.

Now, she’s taking the business on the road with her one-of-a-kind food truck featuring a full country kitchen.

Mouse said: “As a born northerner, you see the ingredients growing in fields, you meet and know the people who sell the produce.

“Being able to come home and share both authentic and new dishes brings joy at a time when so much seems to be changing.”

The food truck will be heading to music and beer festivals, country shows and family events. The expansion of these type of events means its a perfect time for Citrus to take to the road.

Mouse continued: “I bring my success and passion for providing excellent, personable service and attention to detail to every plate.

“The food truck will be an icon on the outdoor food scene and is unique in its design.

“You would think you were standing at the door of a much-loved relative, tasting the foods you crave when coming home.

“Citrus Catering will bring Northumberland a taste of global styles from local ingredients to any location.”

Mouse was trained by some of the best in the catering industry, including The Great British Bake-off’s Prue Leith.

In the past she has worked in prestigious kitchens, including at hotels along Australia’s Gold Coast.