A CHEF has won the national chef of Wales title.

Simon Crockford, who works at the Celtic Manor, has become the new national chef of Wales.

Mr Crockford cooked his way to the coveted title after a closely contested final on the last day of the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) held at Coleg Llandrillo, Rhos on Sea on Thursday, February 23.

He will also represent Wales in the UK national chef of the year contest and the world chefs’ global chef European semi-final in October.

“The final was a lot tougher than what I thought it would be,” said Crockford, “I work in probably the biggest resort in Europe, but that was the hardest three hours I have ever done and I honestly didn’t think I would be holding the trophy.

“I have been competing with the Culinary Team Wales for four years, have won the Battle of the Dragon and been to two Culinary Olympics, but I still have a hunger to win and this award is unbelievable. It’s a reward for a lot of hard work.”