Competing for a place in the final were students from South Devon, City College Plymouth, Exeter College and Cornwall College, who “set the bar high with their fabulous creations” and “very impressive” standards.

But it was Charlie Walters from Cornwall College - winner of the Major Chicken Challenge - who judges declared the worthy winner and who will now go on to compete against the other regional finalists in the Grand Final at the Great Hospitality Show next year.

Mark Provan, programme co-ordinator for hospitality and catering at South Devon College, said: “(South Devon College) has been involved with the Major Series for several years now and it’s one of the highlights of our year.

“The students get so much out of it in terms of their studies as it gives them the chance to experiment with products they will come into contact with in the future, and allows them to build on the classic skills they are learning in class to create something fantastic with them.”

With challenges ranging from street food, chicken and pasta to restaurant skills and assorted coffee, there was also an afternoon tea service and bread class to partake in.

The most popular – with four heats taking place on the day – was the street food challenge, which welcomed Major Series 2014/15 winner Lucy Faulkner and Major’s executive development chef, Brian Eastment, as judges.

Eastment said: “It’s important to remember that for some of the students, this is their first time competing in a competition. It’s an excellent stepping stone for them and I was really pleased to see so many of them coming forward for feedback after the results.”

Meanwhile, chairman of the judges from the Craft Guild of Chefs, Wayne Harris, was in the statics area judging the afternoon tea services and bread class. He said: “The standard shown across the statics today was first class but the creative use of flavours in the bread did great justice to Major’s magnificent range of products.

“The passion and creativity I’ve seen on display all day holds really well for the industry going forward, and makes me excited to see what the next few years will bring.”

Overall winner of Major Series round two, Charlie Walters, then competed against fellow level 2 and 3 students in the chicken challenge, which was judged by Major’s Fergus Martin and previous finalist, Matt Thorning,

Martin said: “I was really impressed to see the students using modern techniques in their cooking and I would love to see them looking at their presentation in order to really elevate their dishes in the future but the flavours we saw today were amazing.”

 At the end of the day, all winners, including each class’s Best in Class, were announced during an awards ceremony where “medals were won across the board.”

The next round will take place 28 March at New College Durham followed by heat four at Coventry College, 31 May.