For one of the contestants in last year's Kent Young Chef Award the competition really was a stepping stone into a career as a trainee chef.

Andrew Moores, who attends Towers School in Kennington, near Ashford, had always loved cooking and was delighted to be chosen to take part in the Live Cook Off in 2009. Now Andrew has enrolled on an NVQ level 2 Professional Chef Course at the Towers Vocational and Hospitality Studies.

As Andrew said, "All I've ever wanted was to be a professional chef - I just love to cook. Entering the competition and being in the finals was a fantastic experience."

As part of his prize Andrew went to have a taster day with Richard Phillips at Chapel Down and this experience helped open the door to achieving a long term placement with the celebrity chef. He sent off his CV and got an interview at Richard's restaurant in Tenterden.

Andrew explained, "Meeting Richard at the competition opened a door for me to work for him. It got me noticed and opened my eyes to all I can achieve. My life has an exciting new direction now."

Richard, one of this year's Kent Young Chef Award judges, said he was delighted to give Andrew his first step into the industry.

"What has impressed me with Andrew has been his commitment and natural talent. We initially took him on for a few hours and this has now developed into weekend work. If he keeps his head down and works diligently he will have a good future."

The closing date for entries in this year's Kent Young Chef Award is rapidly approaching to be in with a chance of winning follow this link or simply visit www.producedinkent.co.uk