Jessica Edwards has been named Institute of Hospitality (Southern Branch) Pastry Chef Student of the Year at the Institute of Hospitality Student Awards.

Edwards, currently on placement at Corinthia Hotel London, fought off stiff competition to win the accolade.

“Winning this award is an incredible honour,” she said. “The learning possibilities and opportunities are endless and I find that pretty exciting for a young chef with a whole career ahead of her.

“I can’t wait to see where that takes me. I want to graduate with an overall distinction.”

For the past four years Corinthia Hotel has been taking students from Bournemouth & Poole College as part of its three-year Specialised Chef Scholarship. The majority are offered permanent jobs at the end of their course.

“Jessica is a very good performer,” said executive chef Adriano Cavagnini. “She’s in the early stages of a great career and has a passion to learn. We are delighted to give her the very best opportunity to grow.”