A creamy vanilla latte has won a barista the title of top barista at MYO, the original Make Your Own sandwich, salad and coffee bar franchise. The food franchise ran its first talent-finding competition through March, with state finals held to select six of the best baristas for the national final.

The finalists were required to make the perfect single espresso, single cappuccino and their own signature drink in just 10 minutes.

Winner Mel Scheele works at the companyÕs Central Park store in Perth and developed her own latte based on a creamy vanilla and icing sugar drink she had as a child.

MYO managing director John Smith said the event was a great way to hone the skills and boost the confidence of MYO baristas across the country.

“We employ some fantastic baristas and this competition encouraged them to use their skills and imagination to come up with something really special,” he said. “MelÕs drink will be served in our stores for the next six weeks, so our customers can experience her fantastic creation for themselves. We hope they enjoy it as much as our judges did.”