NICOLA Draper completed a notable hat-trick of successes by scooping one of the top prizes in the Excellence in Cumbria Awards.

The 18-year-old from Kendal said she was really surprised to win the career breakthrough award, presented to an outstanding achiever training for or working in a job traditionally done by a member of the opposite sex.

Nicola, who collected £500 in prize money, was named commis chef of the year in the prestigious Association Culinaire Francaise North West competition last month.

And she was already thrilled to have clinched a place at Gloucestershire University in September, studying a four-year course in hospitality management and e-commerce.

The former Kirkbie Kendal School pupil is currently working for a BTEC diploma at Kendal College, and has gained an NVQ level 2 qualification in food beverage service and food preparation and cooking.

She is now working towards an NVQ level 3 in food preparation.

After receiving the award at the prize-giving ceremony on Friday, Nicola paid tribute to her father, John, former head of catering at Kendal College, saying he had greatly helped her.

Nicola's ultimate ambition is to run her own establishment, either a hotel or restaurant.