It was billed as a mission impossible, but two contestants in a reality TV show have proved the doubters wrong.

Annalie Huberman-Hertz and Sarah Merriman feared their Down's Syndrome could hold them back from working in the hospitality industry.

But thanks to their participation in Channel 4 programme Kitchen Impossible - where they were mentored by leading chef Michel Roux Jr - both have secured jobs. Ms Huberman-Hertz, of Finchley, north London, now has a role working front-of-house for Japanese restaurant Yo Sushi. She works at the Finchley Road branch twice a week.

"I really like it, it's fantastic," said Ms Huberman-Hertz, whose great-grandfather was former Chief Rabbi Joseph Hertz. "The staff are nice. I work with the customers, taking orders and getting drinks. She added: "The show was a really good experience for me."

Ms Merriman meanwhile is enjoying life as a barista and waitress at a Kensington hotel. She said: " I love it. Sometimes people recognise me from the television - it's a bit embarrassing but I'm like 'wow', I feel like I'm famous.

"The programme was a challenge but I loved it. It was great being with Annalie."

The pair, now in their 20s, have been friends since they met as children at a Norwood group.