FOR anyone who has ever doubted Malton is the best place to get a good cup of coffee, well, now it's official.

Simon Robertson, who owns Leoni The Coffee House, in Wheelgate, Malton, has been picked as the Barista Champion of Great Britain from a crop of UK finalists.

Besides winning a new coffee-making machine and entry into the world finals, Simon was presented with the winner's trophy by stage and screen star Rula Lenska.

"I did not expect to win this award as the standard of the other competitors was so high," he said after picking up his award at a ceremony in Birmingham.

"I hope that my achievement will put Malton on the map as a place to get the best cup of coffee in the country."

Simon was one of ten finalists this week who had to demonstrate their skills to a panel of judges by whipping up 12 cups of coffee in 15 minutes.

Updated: 10:39 Saturday, May 25, 2002