A SKILLED sugar crafter shared the sweet smell of success with his former college.

Jamie Houghton was part of a team who competed in the worldwide Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie competition.

The international event - billed as the World Cup of Pastry - took place in Lyon in France over two days.

Not only did the team achieve the highest spot a UK team has ever seen but their sugar piece was crowned the best in the world.

Jamie, who graduated from Colchester Institute, led on the sugar piece.

He said: “Being able to do sugar with those who are classed as the best in their country speaks for itself. It was very special.”

The competition has been a dream of Jamie’s for many years and took 13 months of preparation.

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Jamie's career first started at Colchester Institute where he studied on a cookery and advanced patisserie course in 2010.

He returned there to meet staff and students and show his trophy.

Jamie's former lecturer Martin Fordham, who is head of Hospitality and Food Studies at Colchester Institute, said: “We are immensely proud of Jamie’s achievements, support, skills and knowledge he shares with our students and staff at Colchester Institute.

"Two of our lecturers travelled to Lyon to support Jamie, whilst the rest of the hospitality and food studies team and students watched live streaming of Jamie competing on large screens.

"Well done Jamie and our alumni of stars who have graduated at Colchester Institute, we all hope to see you again very soon.”