IT was third time lucky for talented Lucknam Park chef Tom Westerland, who finally got his hands on the National Chef of Wales title.

The 26-year-old Welshman, who heads up the kitchen at the Colerne hotel, finally got a taste of victory on February 15 after being named as the runner-up two years in a row.

Serving up a three-course meal in three hours using Welsh ingredients, Mr Westerland was named as the second ever Lucknam Park winner by the judges at the Welsh International Culinary Championships in Conwy.

“I am lost for words, to be honest,” he said. “Having seen everyone else’s impressive dishes, I wasn’t confident of winning and I was very nervous waiting for the result to be announced.

“This award means everything to me and it shows what three years of hard work, perseverance and development can do for you.

“I have been staring at my boss’s trophy for three years and now I have one of my own.”