Sampson left his post as head chef at Peterstone Court Country House Restaurant and Spa, Llanhamlach, near Brecon, this summer to take up the new career challenge, which also allows him to be closer to his parents who live at Ivybridge. At Bovey Castle, he heads a team of 20 chefs, catering for two restaurants, a bistro, function rooms and private dining rooms. He commented on his new position: "It was a great honour to become National Chef of Wales and it definitely raised my profile and the profile of where I worked. "Seeing the certificate on display actually became a talking point among diners who sometimes find in difficult to talk to chefs. "My main reason for entering the competition was a personal challenge, but it was also great for the business. There is no doubt that it helped me to secure my new job at Bovey Castle, which is a magnificent place. It was actually mentioned in my interview. "It was probably my last competition, to be honest. I now plan to encourage the younger chefs here to enter competitions to broaden their experience." The search has begun to find a successor to Sampson as Wales' top chef. The bi-annual contest, sponsored jointly by the Welsh Assembly Government and Hybu Cig Cymru / Meat Promotion Wales, is organised by the Welsh Culinary Association (WCA). Entry is open to chefs of all ages who must work or study in Wales. They are challenged to devise their own creative menu for a three-course dinner for four, including some Wales the True Taste winning products.