The Italian team took the title after impressing a panel of international judges with a three-course meal for 90 people.

Dominico Maggi, spokesperson for the Italian team, said: “I am really happy that we have won and I think the team deserved it because they started preparing after the Culinary Olympics finished in October.

“The chefs have never been to Wales before and I think they will remember these four days forever. It was a great experience. I am really proud of them because half of the team have been my college students.”

The winning menu included lamb with Mediterranean herbs, beer braised pork cheeks, apple confit, tangerine juice and lamb stock reduction.

The WICC is organised by the Culinary Association of Wales and took place at Coleg Llandrillo in Rhos-on-Sea.