A former student from Cardiff and Vale College has been named as the best in the nation for restaurant service.

Ruby Pile, who completed her HND in Hospitality Management at the college last year, was honoured with the prestigious title at the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 competition.

The contest, often referred to as the 'Skills Olympics', sees competitors from across the globe showcasing their skills in a range of categories.

Ms Pile, who works at the Michelin-starred restaurant Hywel Jones at Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, represented the UK in the restaurant service category at the international finals.

She said: "It is an honour to have won best in nation in WorldSkills Lyon 2024.

"I am entirely grateful to the WorldSkills team for awarding me this medal and I see this medal as an overall win to my performance throughout competition in Lyon as well as all of my hard work in training over the past two years."

Ms Pile began her journey with WorldSkills while studying level 2 and 3 hospitality courses at Cardiff and Vale College, before progressing to her HND.

She competed in regional and national skills competitions, supported by college staff, and secured her job alongside her studies.

Ben Blackledge, chief executive of WorldSkills UK, said: "Ruby delivered a fantastic performance at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, and we are thrilled she was awarded Best in Nation.

"Throughout her training with WorldSkills UK and during the competition, Ruby has embodied the spirit of Team UK, and her hard work, commitment and dedication has shone through."

She continues to work at Lucknam Park and studies International Hotel and Hospitality Management at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

She plans to travel the world in the future, working in top hotels and restaurants to broaden her management experience and knowledge.

Cardiff and Vale College principal Sharon James-Evans said: "Congratulations and a massive well done to Ruby for winning Best in Nation in the WorldSkills Finals – it’s an amazing achievement and a real boost to her CV.

"Ruby has excelled at every level of the WorldSkills and Skills Competition Wales contests, and her well-deserved reward is to be named Best in Nation at the International Finals."