A popular annual event, the British Culinary Championships is seen as a valuable platform for all chefs, especially for student chefs wanting to get their first taste of competition experience.

This year, the Salon competitions were held on 27-28th May at Central Bedfordshire College, Dunstable, and comprised of categories including Salon Display, Live Hot, Live Cold and Restaurant Service.

Sian Sweeney, senior brand manager at Clawson Farms, said: “We enjoy working with colleges and student chefs as it always a pleasant surprise to see such creativity from them when tasked to use stilton as a hero ingredient, especially when in some cases, they’ve never even tried it before. To see how they incorporate stilton’s individual flavours into their dishes is truly inspiring.”

Clawson Farms is one of only four dairies in the world permitted to make stilton and one of the oldest farmers’ cooperatives in the UK. It’s 100% British owned and relies solely on local milk from 31 local farms in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Students took on the Clawson Farms Challenge – a 30 minute competition to promote creativity and innovation while showcasing Stilton as the hero ingredient. The competitors from Liverpool Community College, Hull College and Bedfordshire College displayed culinary skills to produce an impressive selection of dishes.

Yu-Jung Lin of Liverpool Community College and Charlie Chappell of Hull College were awarded certificates of merit, while Jack Fountain of Bedfordshire College and Dylan McCardle also of Liverpool Community College were both awarded bronze medals.

Andrew Green, chief executive of the Craft Guild of Chefs, added: “It is always so pleasing to watch the next generation of young chefs in competitions such as the British Culinary Championships, where they can learn from each other, but at the same time enjoy friendly rivalry.

“It was so good to have a new sponsor in Clawson Farms, getting involved and allowing competitors the chance to showcase the king of British cheeses – stilton. Having a different class to enter is motivating for competitors and always adds to the excitement.”