The Junior Chef of Wales trophy is coming 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 result was the unanimous decision of the panel of judges, which included Michelin star chefs Hywel Jones from Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, near Chippenham, Will Holland, from Coast Restaurant, Saundersfoot, Shaun Hill, from The Walnut Tree, near Abergavenny, and Mike Evans, Junior Culinary Team Wales coach, and John Retallick, Culinary Association of Wales secretary.

The final was held on the first day of the Welsh International Culinary Championships at Coleg Llandrillo, Rhos-on-Sea on Monday. Organised by the Culinary Association of Wales, the WICC has Food and Drink Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government’s department representing the food and drink industry, as its main sponsor.

Runners-up were James Corbett, 20, commis chef at Llangoed Hotel, Llyswen, near Brecon, Josh Hughes, 20, chef de partie at Deganwy Quay Hotel, Deganwy, and Aaron Griffith, 23, chef de partie at St George’s Hotel, Llandudno.

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.”

Chairman of the judges, Mr. Retallick praised all four finalists for the standard of their cooking and had a message for all young chefs.

“We need good, dedicated people in this industry, which can give you so much satisfaction and opportunities, but you have to work hard at the beginning,” he said.