AN Okehampton apprentice has clinched a top prize in a prestigious cooking competition.

Emily Colling has been proclaimed the South West Student Chef of the Year as part of the South West Chef Competition, a prestigious challenge that aims to highlight the outstanding talent within the South West's hospitality industry.

Emily was presented with her prize at a glittering ceremony on Monday, October 27 at Exeter Golf and Country Club, immediately following the finals during the day at Exeter College.

As well as celebrating the region's professional chefs, a big aspect of the competition is to celebrate student, junior and skilled home cooks.

To win her prize, Emily had to demonstrate her skills, creativity in cooking and knowledge of produce available from the South West region.

Finalists were given ten days to prepare a two course menu incorporating two compulsory ingredients, Red Ruby neck fillet and cod.

Emily's menu comprised an Asian style beef tartare starter and for her main course a cod risotto with mussels, cockles and clams.

Emily is completing her chef's apprentice at the 2 Rivers Restaurant in the centre of Okehampton. She has studied full time for two years at Exeter College through the Michael Caines Academy, but is now developing her craft on the job.

She said: 'It was amazing to win, completely unexpected but totally amazing. I've done a few competitions, but this was definitely the biggest so to win was brilliant.

'My time at the Michael Caines Academy was really good. I learnt so much and tried so many things I'd not done before.

'My time at the 2 Rivers has been brilliant, they have taught me so much and I'm really enjoying it here.'