A former Isle of Wight school student, turned acclaimed chef, has scooped a coveted Michelin award.

Sarah Hayward, who grew up on the Island, was named young chef of the year, at the prestigious Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2023 ceremony.

Sarah is head chef at the Michelin-starred The Coach restaurant in Marlow, which is owned by celebrity cook Tom Kerridge.

Upon winning the prize, Michelin described her as "tenacious, determined, yet modest".

Read more: Chef Tom Kerridge scotches Isle of Wight restaurant rumours

Reacting to the win, Sarah took to Twitter to say "there are no words".

Sarah was born in Nottinghamshire and moved to the Isle of Wight when she was eight years old.

She attended the then Sandown High School and at the age of 16, worked a year-long apprenticeship at The Royal Hotel, Ventnor.

She moved off the Island in 2010 and five years later, started working for Tom Kerridge.

She became head chef at his restaurant, The Coach in 2021.