A food lover who developed a passion for unusual flavours while travelling the world has been named student of the month at her university.

Charlotte Reynolds, of Mill Hill, a second year student at Harper Adams University in Newport, is March’s star student.

The 23-year-old juggles her food and consumer studies degree with horse riding, being a student ambassador and taking part in the university's brew club.

She said: “Living in London, new bars and restaurants open all the time. This, combined with my affection for travel, has influenced my love of new products.

"I love anything a bit different or exciting, I want to challenge myself so will try any product once.

"My favourite flavours are those with an Asian influence as I've travelled to Thailand. But I also really like classic, retro English flavour combinations."

Charlotte took part in a cultural exchange to Beijing last year and spent three weeks working on a honey farm in France.

She was also part of a team of nine students that reached the UK finals of Dragons' Den-style competition, Ecotrophelia, which strives to find the best eco-innovative food product.

Charlotte also plans to enter the competition again this year with her team's product 'Nomoo' a dairy-free yoghurt made using coconut milk.

The former Barnet College student said: "I've wanted to work in the food and drink industry for a while but wasn't sure exactly which area.

"I have no particular family link to the sector other than enjoying visiting different restaurants with my family and friends. My mum also shares my passion for good food and exploring what the world has to offer.

"Since being at university I've realised that I would like to have a career in new product development, creating products that are a bit different with a fusion of influences."