THE Junior Chef of Wales trophy has come back to Pembrokeshire for the second year running after Ben Mitchell from The Grove, Narberth triumphed in the final.

Demi chef de partie Ben, 19, followed in the footsteps of Andrew Tabberner, who worked at Coast Restaurant, Saundersfoot at the time of last year’s contest.

He will now qualify for the UK semi-finals of the National Junior Chef of the Year contest; spend a week with head chef Gareth Ward at the Michelin-starred Ynyshir Hall, near Machynlleth and received a set of knives from Dick Knives.

The final was held on the first day of the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) at Coleg Llandrillo, Rhos-on-Sea The four finalists were given three hours to cook a three course meal for four persons using their own original menu.

Ben’s winning menu opened with a starter of scallops with textures of leek and fennel, continued with a main course of lamb, broccoli and rocket and completed with a dessert of apple compote and warm cinnamon mousse.

“I’m overwhelmed and shocked because I wasn’t expecting it,” confessed an elated Ben after the result was announced. “It’s amazing to have won and I would like to thank the whole team at The Grove, especially head chef Peter Whaley, who was my commis chef for the final.

“The fact that a chef from South West Wales has won the competition for the second year in a row shows how good the food is in the region. My ambition is gain my own Michelin stars in the future.”

One of the highlights of the WICC is the three-day Battle for the Dragon contest, which saw hosts Wales narrowly fail to meet the challenge of England and Scotland. Amongst the team is Simon Crockford from Tenby and Karl Jones-Hughes from Narberth. Both work at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport,where Simon is head chef and Karl is executive pastry chef.