Cookery students at Cornwall Cornwall have secured silver medals at this year's Country Range UK Student Chef Challenge finals.

The students, from The Cornwall College Group (TCCG)'s St Austell campus, took their place on the podium at the culinary event held at the Excel Food and Hospitality Show in London.

Freshly sourced ingredients from Billingsgate Fish Market were the secret of the success for the young culinary aspirants.

Harley Hacker, Abigale Turner and Lucy Hammett crafted an award-winning menu at the competition, their first in the series.

Their achievement stands as an impressive testament to TCCG's reputation as the 'Top FE College for Education and Training in Cornwall.'

Ms Hammett said: "The competition was really tough and this is the first time we competed on such a grand stage, in the final of Country Range UK Student Chef Challenge.

"The fact that Cornwall College made it to the final was an amazing achievement, but coming in third place was just an icing on the cake for us."

Mr Hacker also expressed his glee at their success.

He said: "This experience has been a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our skills.

"We put in a lot of hard work and dedication, and it feels incredible to see it pay off."

Falmouth Packet: The Country Range UK Student Chef Challenge finals took place at Excel Food and Hospitality Show

Ms Turner drew attention to the broader benefits of participating in the competition, asserting: "Being part of this competition was both challenging and rewarding.

"It pushed us to our limits and allowed us to grow as chefs."

Alan Holloway, the TCCG’s study programme manager for patisserie and catering, stated that the competition provided "an inspiring platform for students to work under pressure and against the clock."

He added: "Our students have worked incredibly hard over the last few months by practicing and refining their techniques.

"Cornwall College has received fantastic feedback from the judges, emphasising how well our learners work together, showing a great level of teamwork at a competition of this level."

Steve Rudd, study programme manager for professional cookery, expressed the hope that this success would "positively influence aspiring chefs and young pupils to explore cookery options at Cornwall College and continue shining on national stages at competitions."

Visit cornwall.ac.uk for further information on courses at the Top FE College for Education and Training in Cornwall.