IT'S a case of Coffey by name and coffee by nature for a Swansea champion in the making.

Jamie Coffey is the sole Welshman to make it through to the regional finals of a national competition.

The 24-year-old, who lives in the city centre, is a barista with national coffee chain Costa.

He has made it through to the Wales and West regional final of Costa's Barista of the Year contest, giving him a shot at the top prize of a luxury holiday abroad.

He has created a drink of his own which he hopes will go down a treat with the judges when he prepares and serves it for them in Newbury next Thursday.

"With a name like mine I guess I was always destined to work in the coffee industry," said Jamie.

"I love what I do and when I heard about this competition I put my name forward.

"I'm really happy that I've got this far, and I am looking forward to the regional finals."

Jamie has been involved in the coffee industry since leaving school.

He worked in a cafe in Swansea for five years before getting a job at the Costa branch in the St David's 2 centre in Cardiff when it opened in September, 2009.

He is now the branch's assistant manager.

The regional heats involved him making four of the chain's top-selling drinks in nine minutes in front of a panel of judges, explaining the process step-by-step. He scored an impressive 100 per cent.

The regional final will see him compete against six other baristas. Each will have to serve two existing Costa drinks, as well as their own speciality drink.

In Jamie's case that will be the keylime iced latte that he came up with especially for the occasion.

"I created it as I used to work in a cocktail bar," he explained. "I'll use both experiences to hopefully create a delicious drink and a good performance in front of the judges."

The winner of the regional final will go on to compete in the champion of champions finals in London in October for a chance to win a holiday for two to a Costa- or coffee- connected country.

Jamie said: "If I win I'd like to go to South America and visit coffee-growing communities."

A spokeswoman from Costa Barista of the Year said: "Throughout this competition we are testing contestants' ability to deliver a range of coffees, quickly and to a high standard, while still interacting with those around them.

"They also need to show a passion and great knowledge for coffee. We wish Jamie well in his next round."

paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk