Two wannabe chefs from Gravesend made it to the hard-fought final of Young Cooks.

Frank McCormick, 14, and Patrick Baron, 12, both from St John’s Catholic Comprehensive, were selected as finalists for the secondary school category.

They took on five other youngsters in the same category.

Frank prepared fillet of pork with black pudding stuffing rolled in bacon and served with seasonal vegetables, followed by chocolate tart with berries.

Patrick’s menu included apple and pork cider fillet plus a dessert of Kentish plum tart.

Both cooks competed at an exciting MasterChef-style cook-off staged at East Kent College in Broadstairs.

They were pipped to the post to a top prize but praised by the judges for their creativity and skill.

All finalists received framed certificates and goody bags packed with cooking-related gifts.

Young Cooks was organised by the KM Charity Team and open to youngsters aged between six and 19 years.

Entrants created one or two dishes, depending on the competition category, and submitted their recipes and food photographs to the Young Cooks website.

Altogether 18 finalists from across the county - the biggest number in the contest’s history - battled it out to win the primary, secondary, and family categories - plus the overall champion’s trophy.

Maxine Tarquini, event organiser for Young Cooks, said: “This has been a fantastic year for exceptional entries.

“Many congratulations to all of our finalists. They produced delicious meals beautifully presented and blew our judges away with their professionalism and skill.”

Judging the entries were representatives from Southern Co-op, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Whole School Meals, Macknade Fine Foods, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Orbit, Chequers Kitchen Cookery School, Licensing Consultancy Services, Brakes, and Kent Catering Service. Entry will be open soon for Young Cooks 2019 at YoungCooks.org.uk

Businesses interested in supporting the contest should contact mtarquini@thekmgroup.co.uk or on 0844 2640291.