The team, made up of chefs Amy Brown, Jade Walmsley and Hazel Webb, beat teams from West Suffolk College, Cambridge Regional College, City College Norwich and Redbridge College of West Anglia to take the title.

A Passion to Inspire, founded by Murray Chapman, was created with the aim to bridge the gap between students and the industry.

Chef judge Russell Bateman said: “I was the same age as these competitors when I took part in my first catering competition. It’s good to be involved with these sorts of events as I think it is important to help inspire the next generation of chefs.

“We always need to bring new people into the restaurant workforce, so it’s imperative that the younger generation are excited about food and ‘A Passion to Inspire’ encompasses that.”

The winning team created a two course meal with an amuse bouche in front of judges. Judges included Shara Ross, general manager of Hotel Felix, Mark Poynton, chef patron of Restaurant Alimentum, and Eric Snaith, chef owner at Titchwell Manor.

Colchester Institute will receive the winning prize, which includes four places at the Skills for Chefs conference, lunch at Alimentum, accommodation and dinner at Titchwell Manor, and chefs jackets and aprons.