GUERNSEY triumphed at the inaugural Channel Islands Chef of the Year competition yesterday.

Ashraf Elsergany, from the Hotel Hougue du Pommier, came top in the senior class, while 18-year-old James Piprell, a College of Further Education student, won the junior title.

‘I’m really touched. I can’t believe it. I didn’t come here for fun, I took the competition seriously, so I’m very happy,’ said Mr Elsergany.

Steve Scuffell and Matt Owens, both from the Craft Guild of Chefs, and Wayne Child, from Nestle, judged the competition.

Nestle and the Guild sponsored the event, which took place at the College of Further Education.

There were seven chefs in the senior final, one of whom was from the Braye Beach Hotel in Alderney. They each had two-and-a-half hours to prepare a three-course meal.

In the juniors, there were 10 competitors, seven of them from Jersey. They had two courses to prepare.

Junior winner James, who is studying catering and hospitality, was not expecting a win.

‘It is shock. I really can’t believe it. I didn’t just do it for my CV. I entered the competition because I have a passion for cooking. It’s what I enjoy.’

Both winners receive a free night in London, with exclusive box seats for a show at the O2 Arena.

Photos by Peter Frankland and Steve Sarre.

To order prints, click here.

James Piprell, 18, was the junior winner.