A TRAINEE chef from Corsham has scooped Best Apprentice Student at the Bath Good Food awards.

Calleb Drake, of Poynder Road, who works at the Methuen Arms, picked up the accolade despite fierce competition from 30 other apprentice chefs after serving a three-course menu at the awards ceremony held at the Bath pavilion.

The 17-year-old, along with his rivals, cooked a hay-smoked salmon starter, slow braised beef, and a pudding made from rosemary cream, cider granita, honeycomb and rosemary pepper on the night.

Mr Drake said: “I am really happy and it helps show me that I am going in the right direction.

"This is the first award like this that I have won. I won Student of the Year when I did a part-time course at Springfield Academy.

"It feels great to get this and the validation that goes along with it. My dad is very proud of me, that I am dong well and getting somewhere as a chef.

“It is brilliant working here in the Methuen Arms because of the people and the great cooks I am working alongside.

“I am learning loads here every day and will continue learning from all the guys that work here.

“The kitchen is great. There are busy and quiet days but I prefer those days that are in the middle. I just enjoy it when I am doing something all the time.

"I hope to eventually become a head chef of my own and be in charge of a kitchen."