Ruth Hansom, a chef from North Yorkshire, has expressed her pride after being named the Craft Guild of Chefs' National Chef of the Year. Her victory marks the first time in 50 years that a woman has won the prestigious industry award.
Hansom, who owns Hansom Restaurant in Bedale, competed in Tuesday's grand final against nine other chefs. She described feeling "great, really relieved" to have won, having reached the final on two previous occasions.
The 31-year-old chef's winning three-course menu included Isle of Mull scallop, Angus pure beef fillet, and a Guanaja dark chocolate dessert. Mark Birchall, chair of judges, commented that Hansom "stood out with a menu that showed confidence and skill."
Hansom hopes her win will encourage other female chefs to enter the competition. She joins an alumni of past winners that includes Gordon Ramsay.