A record breaking number of children and teenagers across the county have been getting all steamed up about the KM Kent Cooks competition.

An impressive 180 entries flooded in - smashing last year's figure of 167 - for Kent’s official school cookery contest, which aims to encourage young people and families to develop a passion for cooking and healthy eating.

The competition is staged each year by the KM Group’s charity department with the support of local organisations and offers top prizes to the category winners and overall Kent Cooks champion.

Last week the judges gathered at East Kent College, Broadstairs to decide which entrants were the most deserving of a place on the competition shortlist. A total of 13 talented young cooks were selected to take part in the Masterchef-style final.

The finalists will have a budget and a time limit to cook their recipes for the judges during a thrilling cook-off at East Kent College on Thursday, November 26.

The judging panel includes representatives from East Kent College, Paul Babra curry club, JC Rook and Sons, Mini Babybel, Golding Vision, Best Western Abbots Barton Hotel, Licensing Consultancy Services, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Countrystyle Recycling, Kent Cookery School, Brakes, Orbit South, S.E. Medical, and VooServers.

Roger Phillips of East Kent College said: “We’ve had a fantastic time where we’ve been going through all of the entries for the Kent Cooks competition and I must say that every entry was really up to a very high standard.”

Lisa Craig of the KM Charity Team said: “I would like to congratulate our fabulous finalists. The judges had their work cut out for them this year and we are set for a very exciting competition final!”

She added: “We are now planning next year’s event and would urge businesses interested in championing healthy lifestyles within their communities to get in touch.”

The top chefs for the Family, Primary School and Secondary School categories and the overall winner will receive certificates, goody bags and a share of the £500 prize money.

To find out more about KM Kent Cooks, or to view all the entries, visit www.kentcooks.co.uk.

• Organisations wanting to get involved with the contest next year and benefit from publicity with the KM Group should contact Simon Dolby at sdolby@thekmgroup.co.uk or call him on 07989 164 752.

KM Kent Cooks 2015 competition finalists

Family Category finalists: Zack Silcock, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Whitstable; Nina Lhermette, Mersham Primary School, Ashford; Tom and Jonny Eden, Sevenoaks Primary School.

Primary Category finalists: Lizzie Ellis, Loose Junior School, Maidstone; Sofia Bishop, Culverstone Green Primary School, Gravesend; Milly Jessup, Lynsted and Norton School, Sittingbourne; Nkem Enebe, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Gillingham.

Secondary Category finalists: Aaron Waller, St John’s Catholic Comprehensive School, Gravesend; Tanya Cherry, North Kent College, Gravesend; Lily Stock, Medway; Isabella Lee, Invicta Grammar, Maidstone; Toby Sears, Wilmington Academy, Dartford; Erin Payne, Invicta Grammar, Maidstone.