American chef Krys Page is to run the kitchen at the Harbour Lights hotel in Alderney. She is pictured with hotel owner Steven Syer. (0867148)

AMERICAN chef Krys Page is to run the Harbour Lights’ kitchen.

Former radio DJ Krys, from Florida, got in touch with Harbour Lights owner Steven Syer a fortnight ago after reading about his plans to close the kitchen in island publication The Journal.

The pair has since struck up a deal which will keep the kitchen open during the winter months.

A string of costly appointments at the Newtown Road hotel, which led to chefs leaving without serving any notice, convinced Steven to shut up shop in early October.

However, Krys’s idea to offer American-style home cooking and classic English dishes has convinced him to give the restaurant one last chance.

Krys, who first came to Alderney in 2005 and now lives in the island with husband Colin, said: ‘It’ll be mama’s American home cooking. Burgers made from Kiln Farm mince will be on the menu, along with lasagne, sirloin steak, chicken breast and pork chops.

‘I’ll also be selling my signature burritos, also known as The Hangover Cure, smoothies and milkshakes.’

Krys added: ‘I want to offer quality food in a great atmosphere. Hopefully local families will come along.

I’m already coming up with a children’s menu.’

A takeaway service will also be offered by Krys, who has run the Burger Queen fast-food van in Braye Harbour since June.

Steven is delighted with the link-up.

‘I think it’s ideal – refreshing and exciting,’ he said.

‘Krys will have an interest in the business so she won’t run off.

‘I’m delighted the kitchen is up and running again – it deserves to be open and needs to be open. Hopefully it will bring some business into the bar and give the place some atmosphere.’

The restaurant opens tomorrow at 8am.

Best-selling author Diana Kimpton has dedicated her latest book to the children of Alderney.

Amy Wild, Animal Talker is set in the make-believe place of Clamerkin Island. The first instalment of the series is called The Secret Necklace and is dedicated to the Alderney’s youngsters.

In 2005, during the planning stage of the book, Diana visited Alderney to meet pupils from both St Anne’s and Ormer House.

Diana, who lives in the Isle of Wight, said: ‘I know about living in an island but the Isle of Wight is a lot bigger than where I wanted Amy to be. A sailor friend of mine said I should visit Alderney, so I came over for five days and found it was perfectly the right size.’

During her five-day visit, Diana, whose Pony Mad Princess series of books has sold more than a million copies, was struck by Alderney’s safety and relaxed atmosphere to children playing outside.

‘What came across was how the children could come and go as they pleased. They also seemed to do most things outside, like going to the beach, sailing and bike riding.’

l Visit www.dianakimpton.co.uk for information on how to buy the books.