Crockford, from Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, won the title after defeating five other chefs in the competition final.

Crockford said: “The final was a lot tougher than what I thought it would be. 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 Culinary Team Wales for four years, have won 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.”

The winning menu included Pembrokeshire chicken with sage, onion spelt, mushroom espuma, Halen Mon salted herb faggot and chicken jus, and a Carmarthenshire nomnom chocolate mousse with peanut butter, shortbread caramel ganache, banana parfait and chocolate soil.

In addition to the title Crockford won a culinary trip to the Netherlands courtesy of WICC sponsor Koppertcress, a set of knives from Dick Knives and £250 worth of products from Churchill China.