A Sidmouth apprentice has impressed industry experts and landed second place in a competition for trainees.

Tom Spiller, of the Victoria Hotel, is only 10 months into his level two qualification as a chef and apprentice as part of the Brend Academy.

He wowed judges with his lamb dish, which he cooked up in 45 minutes.

The 21-year-old competed against eight other apprentices last Tuesday as part of their training.

Stuart White, head chef at the Victoria Hotel, said: “He did a really good job. I’m really proud of him.

“I would be quite happy for Tom to run that dish at a more national competition.

“He’s really going to be an asset to the hotel.”

Casting their eyes over proceedings were the group’s directors, Peter Brend Junior and Matthew Brend. They were joined by Peter Brend Senior and Andre Mosedale, principal of the Brend Academy.