A THORNBURY schoolboy is savouring the moment after being crowned a World Pasty Champion.

Daniel Beddoes, 12, from Waterford Close won the Open Savoury Junior title at the championships which were held in the Mediterranean Biome at the Eden Project in Cornwall at the weekend to celebrate the popular delicacy.

Daniel was the second member of his family to be crowned champion when he entered the competition for the first time.

He was inspired to participate by his aunt Vanessa Ferr who is from Thornbury originally but now lives in Horfield, Bristol. She has come third in the Cornish Pasty Amateur category over the last two years.

She asked Daniel and his sister Hannah, 9, if they were interested in participating and before long the trio were cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

Speaking to the Gazette Daniel said: “My aunt Vanessa has been going every year and she asked if we wanted to enter. I thought it would be a great opportunity. I didn’t expect to win.”

In a record six weeks Daniel became an official world champ with his tasty chicken fajita pasty on Saturday, March 1.

“He’s a natural at it,” said proud dad Chris.

“And now he’s a bit of an expert.”

Bakers competed to be crowned the winner of one of eight categories, including Cornish Pasty Amateur, Cornish Pasty Professional, Cornish Pasty Junior and Open Savoury Company. Each category had two divisions – professional and amateur.

There were over 150 entries overall. Marks were awarded for taste, texture, appearance, pastry crimp and technical expertise.

Daniel’s perfect pasty was awarded an impressive 87 points out of 100 by the judges.

His mother Rachael said: “It’s great for him. We had such a brilliant weekend. It was a big surprise and good fun.”

Asked what the secret to his success was Daniel replied: “On the feedback form the judges said that my pasty was really tasty. They said they were very impressed and ate more than they would usually.”

Daniel is delighted with his win and intended to retain the title when he competes again in next year’s competition.

Interestingly, Cornish food manufacturers battled for nine years to obtain special protection for their most famous snack, banning any products made in Devon, Wales or the rest of Britain from being called Cornish pasties. This was granted in 2011.

As well as this geographical restriction, pasties which are crimped on the top – rather than the correct Cornish style of on the side – were banned from claiming to be the real deal.