A Harrogate barista has secured a place on the world stage after winning the UK’s top coffee competition.
Will Woodhouse-Banks, an innovation developer at Taylors of Harrogate, won the national title earlier this year in London.
He will now represent the UK at the World Coffee Championships in Milan from 17th to 21st October.
The 36-year-old achieved victory on his fourth attempt, having previously placed second and third in the national finals.
Competitors are required to present a series of drinks around a chosen theme, which are judged on taste, cleanliness, creativity, technical skill, and presentation.
To prepare, Mr Woodhouse-Banks made more than 1,000 coffees and carried out over 100 full event run-throughs.
Speaking after his win, he said:
"It's been a really intense process training for these championships but I'm super excited to represent everything we've worked on and everything we stand for at Taylors on the world stage."
His theme for the competition focused on the role of trust in relationships within the coffee industry.
He added:
"I need to say a special thank you to my manager and coach Nicola Peacock. Without her support, I wouldn't have been able to achieve any of this."
The World Coffee Championships in Milan will bring together national champions from across the globe to compete for the world title.

Fairground rides return to Valley Gardens for half term
Six teenage boys arrested after 'violent incident' in Harrogate
Your Skipton and Your Ilkley to launch on DAB next week
Police appeal after hit-and-run on Knaresborough High Street
Harrogate Town announce signing of Chesterfield midfielder
Free Fuel Friday: Another winner scoops free tank of fuel
Smiley/sad face speed signs set to remain banned in North Yorkshire
Harrogate primary school takes climate education to national stage
Historic village pub enjoys successful reopening under new ownership
Masham primary school unveils newly refurbished library
No motorists turned away from Harrogate waste centres due to rule change
RHS Harlow Carr to host Summer Garden Weekend
First look inside Furlong and Furrow ahead of reopening
Harrogate man and colleagues tackle Three Peaks in memory of his mum
Harrogate care organisation raises £500 at Nidderdale Walk
Mayor urged to "come to the table" to discuss road repair funding
Monthly IT support clinic for elderly people launched in Harrogate
Harrogate College celebrates milestone as new campus takes shape
Children are taking over the Leeds station tannoy this weekend – here's why
Vernon Kay joins lineup for Harrogate's Symphonic Ibiza event


