A young Cornish chef has been recognised in a prestigious regional competition for talented chefs and home cooks.

Toby Pyne, 17, from Truro & Penwith College and The Peterville Inn in St Agnes, was awarded Student/Apprentice Chef of the Year (aged 16 to 19) in the finals of the South West Chef of the Year competition.

Having beaten three other young chefs from across the region to take the prize, Toby also won the award for best showcase of regional ingredients. He cooked a starter of steamed lemon sole with sole mousse, Beurre blanc sauce, pickled mussels and Parisienne vegetables; and a main course of chicken supreme with braised leek, steamed corn, glazed carrot, pomme dauphine and chicken jus.

The winners were announced at a ceremony at Exeter Golf and Country Club. Toby said: “Winning the competition felt surreal. I was so caught up in the moment, I could hardly take it all in. I’m thrilled to have made my family and friends so proud, and I couldn’t have felt more supported by the college. The entire team’s generosity is unmatched, and I am forever grateful.”

Andy Offland, lecturer in catering and hospitality at Truro and Penwith College, added: "The boy did good! Toby is confident, precise and dedicated. He worked incredibly hard to bring out the best flavours and combinations in this competition, and his talent and skill make this award truly well-deserved."

Tom Trubshaw, owner of The Peterville Inn, said the menu would be showcasing Toby’s dishes imminently. “It’s a chance for the people of Cornwall to sample his award-winning cuisine,” he said.

“His passion shines through in the kitchen, especially in his attention to detail when plating. We’re a small team, and there’s no hiding in the background. This is a massive win, and we’re very proud of him.”

South West Chef of the Year provides a platform for young chefs from Penzance to Gloucester to build their profiles, highlight their skills and develop their careers, while the industry seeks to promote high standards and nurture up-and-coming professional and student chefs.

The competition is in its 20th year and was co-founded by Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines MBE. A team of top professional chefs from hotels and restaurants across the South West - including Port Isaac’s Nathan Outlaw — judged the closely-fought finals at Exeter College.

Further Cornwall finalists include Simon Davies, head chef of The Rising Sun in Altarnun, who competed in the professional chef category; and budding junior chefs Freya and Sam, both from Penrice Academy in St Austell.

Michael Caines said: “We have seen some amazing dishes created by some truly talented chefs, all made with outstanding local ingredients that highlight the skill of our participants and the quality of produce here in the West Country.”