In a cook-off held on 2nd June, 13 regional finalists showcased their culinary flair before a prestigious panel of judges. Walter emerged victorious with her inventive and sustainable creation: Beetroot and Red Cabbage Risotto, Davidstow cheddar, Cornish apple cider, wild garlic verde with salted and black pepper cashews and sour cream.

Commenting on her win, Walter said: “This was such a prestigious competition. For me personally it was the most intense that I have been lucky enough to take part in to date, where I was up against some of the best talent and extremely driven individuals.

“To cook with the Riso Gallo rice, which is of such excellent quality and can tastefully hold its own before you’ve even added anything to it, meant I knew that I wanted to do that purity justice from the get go but whilst still promoting my local and home grown ingredients.

“It was an absolute honour to have been a part of this and to have the opportunity to meet and befriend people I’d likely never have got to cross paths with without, just magical.”

Walter has won an all-expenses paid five day trip to Milan and a four-day work experience with Michelin-starred chef Fabio Pisani at Il Luogo Aimo e Nadia in Milan. She is in her third year at Exeter College, studying professional cookery.

Paul Gayler, chairman of judges, said: “I truly love this student chef competition, that seems to go from strength to strength each year. Seeing such an inspiring group of young chefs, cooking with passion, while being encouraged and judged by their esteemed peers is so rewarding, what an experience at such a young age and just starting out in their careers.

“My fellow judges and I thought Mia’s winning dish was the essence of a well prepared Risotto, keeping the rice as the star of the show, made using zero waste, from locally sourced and gathered foraged ingredients near her west country home. An altogether great risotto to grace any dining experience, well done Mia.”

The judges awarded two runners up Matthew Beech, from Belfast, has a stage at the Italian Embassy in London and Shannon Bu, from West London has a stage at The Peninusla Hotel, London with Francesco Dibenedetto.