A COSTA coffee barista from Chelmsford has been ranked the best in the east of England.

Shana Hainsby, 21, who works in the Chelmsford station store of the coffee chain, created sspressos, lattes, cappuccinos, flat white coffees and her own speciality drink to wow the judges and win the East Region heat of Costa's Barista of the Year. 

She will now compete against other regional finalist winners in the 'Champion of Champion Finals' in London next month.

Shana, who has worked at the station's coffee shop for five years created he own drink the ‘Shana Surprise’, a Turkish Delight-based drink inspired by her family’s love of the confectionery. Shana created the drink by blending real Belgian chocolate with coffee and a Turkish Delight syrup, topping her creation with homemade raspberry cream.

She said: "I’m so shocked to have won my Regional heat but am so excited to have been acknowledged for my skill as a barista.

"I can’t wait to expand my knowledge as I go through the competition process over the next couple of months."

The 'Champion of Champions Finals' will be held at Vinopolis in London on Tuesday, October 21.

If Shana is crowned the champion she will win a ten-day trip for two with spending money to a country of her choice with a Costa connection.