A key partner of the county’s official school cookery contest is searching for the culinary superstars of tomorrow.

Benenden Hospital Trust, Cranbrook are keen to find young people with flavour and flair to take part in Kent Cooks 2016.

Jane Abbot, Hospital Director at Benenden, said: “It is a real privilege to be involved with Kent Cooks as it is an initiative which celebrates creativity and quality in the kitchen. As a health organisation, we believe a balanced and healthy diet is imperative to everyone’s well-being, and providing a service for young people which promotes positive dietary and lifestyle choices is wonderful.”

Junior chefs aged 19 and under are eligible to enter the competition which is now open for nominations.

Kent Cooks provides participants with three core categories – primary, secondary and family – in which either a single or two dishes are prepared.

Organised in a Masterchef-style format, chefs are encouraged to produce healthy and cost-effective meals which incorporate local ingredients and produce.

All nominations must be received by Tuesday, November 1 and all applicants are required to send a photograph of their signature dish as well as a recipe card.

Lisa Craig, events manager at the KM Charity Team which organises the competition, said: “We are very pleased to have Benenden Hospital Trust on-board with Kent Cooks because they share our vision about maintaining a better, healthier lifestyle. The contest enables children with cooking skills to shine, but it also teaches them valuable life lessons along the way. We all know how important it is to cook within a set budget!”

Key partners of Kent Cooks include Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Licensing Consultancy Service, S.E. Medical, Chequers Kitchen Cookery School, Paul Babra, Benenden Hospital Trust, East Kent College, Whole School Meals, Best Western Abborts Barton Hotel, Orbit South, J.C. Rook and Sons, Golding Vision (Part of Golding Homes), Brakes, Suzanne Howe Communications, and Kent Crisps and Kentish Oils.

For more information and to submit a nomination, visit www.kentcooks.co.uk

Find out more about Benenden Hospital Trust at www.benenden.co.uk