AN APPRENTICE chef at a West Devon hotel and restaurant has won the title of Apprentice of the Year at Exeter College's annual student awards.

Tracey Yelland, who has been an apprentice at the Arundell Arms Hotel at Lifton since September last year, won the level two Professional Cookery Apprenticeship award of Apprentice of the Year 2013.

Tracey said: 'When I was first told that I had been nominated for the award it brought a big smile to my face, just knowing that I had been acknowledged for the effort I have put in during this college year.

'Winning it has made me even more thankful for the opportunities the Arundell Arms and Exeter College have given me.

'I very much look forward to beginning my level three in September with the support of the brilliant chefs and work colleagues at the Arundell Arms and the chefs, tutors and teachers at Exeter College.'

Tracey started at the Arundell as a junior trainee apprentice chef in September 2012, where her potential was soon recognised.

In January she entered her first Salon Culinaire catering competition where she won the gold medal for 'Best in Class'. In February, she volunteered to join the Exeter College apprentice display team demonstrating to the trade and members of the public at the premier catering event Expo-West.

Tracey had just returned from her last competition, where she entered one live and one static event, earning her silver and bronze medals respectively.

When she is not at college or competing she is a hard-working member of the Arundell Arms kitchen brigade. Head chef Steven Pidgeon is extremely pleased with her progress: 'I have a feeling that this young lady has a great deal to offer and will go far in this industry.'