MasterChef trophy 'is proof that dreams can come true'

MASTERCHEF champ Chariya Khattiyot says her grandad would be "so proud" of her achievements decades after learning to cook in a kitchen with no walls.

- Ashleigh Rainbird

Chariya grew up in Northern Thailand with him and would often play at being a restaurateur with him as customer.

She now plans to open a restaurant serving Northern Thai food and has aspirations of gaining a Michelin star.

After her triumph on BBC1 last night, Chariya said: "This is unbelievable. It means the world, the sun, the moon and everything to me.

"I don't think anything can top this. I'm so happy. This just proves that if you dream something and you work really hard and you never give up, you can get it. That's what my grandad said to me - never give up. He would be so proud of me!"