SIZZLING bacon and sausages on a butty van is the extent of her catering experience.

Budding Italian restaurateur Karen Gilmour demonstrated her culinary skills this week as Channel 4's Risking It All filmed her in action.

"It was absolutely brilliant," said Karen, 41, of Highfield Road, Widnes, who returned to her 'Hot Stuff' butty van in Ditton Road, now run by her sister, Nicola.

"My old customers came back to wish me luck."

Ambitious Karen is turning a dilapidated off licence in Widnes Road into an upmarket trattoria, called Aroma - in just 13 weeks!

Her ups and downs have been captured on film, to be screened on national TV in the new year.

"After losing time because our checking engineers hadn't calculated our steel, our construction lads have pulled everything back on target," she said.

It's a huge gamble for Karen, her partner, criminal solicitor Marcus Johnstone, 41, and their six children.

They've re-mortgaged their home, taken out personal loans, credit cards and sold two cars to fund their venture.

"We have sacrificed a lot but we know we've got the concept right," said confident Karen.

"We've designed the shop front and the artwork for the menus.

"Our builders have vowed to make sure we open on time."

She has hired a head chef, Ian Beddingfield and waiting staff but is still looking for a second chef.

"The adrenalin is absolutely pumping," said Karen.

"We've had so much support, I'm really enjoying it."