She beat five other finalists who competed at a special lunch service held at London’s Westminster Kingsway College on Monday 11th February 2013.

Following regional finals in Birmingham and London the six finalists each served a three-course lunch with wines for a table of four while the judges observed. Before the lunch the guests were served champagne and canapés in a separate room before being taken through to the dining room.

“I can’t believe it,” said Dibben at the awards ceremony at Claridge’s. “I would never have imagined this when I first entered. I really love my job and love looking after people. This is incredible.”

Judge John Davey said: “She was the clear winner. There was no argument amongst the judges. Rebecca had a winning combination of charm, enthusiasm and technical skill that just captured her guests and us as judges.”

She wins a year’s worth of mentoring from a list of mentors that includes Silvano Giraldin, Sergio Rebecchi, Emmanuel Landré and Fred Sirieix. To mark the occasion Dibben will have her portrait painted by celebrated hospitality artist Henrietta Graham.

Guests watched a film documenting the progress of the competition, produced by Roy Ackerman’s coolcucumber TV, before Dibben was presented with a magnum of Laurent-Perrier champagne and a special winners scroll by lead sponsor Alastair Storey of BaxterStorey.

Storey added: “Claridge’s has done us proud, the Ballroom is the perfect backdrop for our awards ceremony the food and service teams tonight have epitomised all that we stand for - our guests have experienced amazing food, impeccably served.  I’m also delighted that Laurent-Perrier and Fortnum & Mason’s were so generous in providing the perfect champagne and wines to compliment today’s occasion and toast Rebecca’s success.”