A BIN man turned chef is on a mission to bring the tastes of the Caribbean to Stourbridge.

Gareth Collins quit his job as a bin man for Dudley Council to launch Caribbean Kitchen is his family's pub earlier this year and has seen his passion grow into a thriving business.

What began as a one-off event in January has grown into a full time restaurant in Webster's Brewhouse in Wollaston.

A passionate food fan, Gareth has based his dishes, included curried goat and vegetable curries, from family recipes and his own experiments in the kitchen.

Gareth said: "I have always really loved cooking. When I was working on the bins I always thought I wanted to do something different."

The 30-year-old has joined forces with his business partner Claire Shayle, who has worked on vegan recipes, to make sure the buffet has something for all tastes.

Visitors can enjoy buffets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while on Friday and Saturdays Gareth showcases a menu including his weekly changing specials.

Gareth says he has only been able to carry out his venture due to the encouragement of others who spurred him on to achieve his dream.

He added: "I had to take the plunge to do it full time. Before, I didn't have the courage in myself.

"If you fail at something, keep trying, keep going."

To find the latest offerings at the buffet, search for Carribean Kitchen on Facebook.