Representatives from the Fifteen Foundation, a charity set up by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver to help disadvantaged youngsters, held three briefings in the city to rally support.

There were testimonies to the scheme's success from two young chefs, whose lives had been dramatically turned around by the scheme.

Guests heard how the globally-recognised brand could bring visitors and cash to the city.

Liam Black, leader of the Fifteen team in Leeds, told delegates: "We would like your participation, advice, support, but most of all cash, to make Fifteen Leeds become a reality and be a smashing success."

Around 65 people from firms and organisations attended the meetings hosted by the YEP, Addleshaw Goddard and Baker Tilly.

Mr Black told them Loiners could look forward to a couple of visits from Jamie Oliver himself if the scheme got the go-ahead as he would attend the restaurant opening and the graduation ceremony for the first set of Leeds trainees.

Fifteen offers 16- to 24-year-olds a second chance at life, with training to be a top chef.

The first Fifteen opened in London in 2002 after millions watched Oliver battle to get it off the ground in the hit reality TV series Jamie's Kitchen.

Since then Fifteens have opened in Amsterdam, Melbourne and Cornwall. Each is run alongside a local charity to which it gives its profits.

That charity then funds training for up to 45 local youngsters a year to become apprentices and gain a catering qualification.

The Leeds restaurant would take over two of the Dark Arches in Granary Wharf – around 4,000 sq ft – and would open at the end of next year, complete with the trademark theatre kitchen so diners can see the young chefs at work.

Mark Ryder, chief executive of Isis Waterside Regeneration, the firm regenerating Granary Wharf, said: "I'm passionate about Leeds waterfront being a destination and having Fifteen would be great for Leeds."

The apprentices would be recruited in March.

Fifteen wants firms and individuals to give a minimum of £25,000, with incentives including VIP tickets for the restaurant opening ; photo opportunities with Jamie Oliver at the event ; corporate branding on publicity material and their name etched in the "Window of Fame" in the restaurant.

The foundation has been working with organisations including Leeds Community Foundation, Leeds City Council and Leeds Thomas Danby college on the proposals.

The charity's board of trustees will make its decision whether to go ahead with the Leeds venture in June.