Two students at Exeter College took the first and second prizes in a cooking competition judged by the Head Chef at a Michelin starred restaurant

Student Amy Thadwald, from Exeter College, took the first prize of £2,000 in the Ray Kenny Bursary Competition for Hospitality, hosted by the College.

Harrison Brockington, also from Exeter College, gained second place in the contest.

Both of the students have also won a six-week work experience placement during the summer at the luxury Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, near Bath.

The competition was judged by Ben Taylor, Head Chef of the fine dining Michelin starred restaurant at the Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, near Bath, and Stuart Mackernell. Stuart is a former Head Chef of the world famous Dorchester Hotel in London.

The students who won the contest are both studying on the VRQ2 Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College.

The contest saw nine students from a number of local colleges given the challenge of being given two and a half hours to produce a starter, main course and dessert for two people. There were four Colleges competing in all: Exeter College, Cornwall College, Petroc College, South Devon College. Exeter College entered two students into the competition.

John Wheeler, Head of the Faculty of Hospitality, Hair and Beauty, said: “The students worked hard at perfecting their dishes for the completion and this was evident on the day.

“The balance of flavours, textures and outstanding presentation really made them winning entries. It’s great when students get involved in competitions like this, they get so much out of it and they are so looking forward to the opportunity of such a fantastic work placement as part of their prize.”