There are just six days left to submit recipe entries for kids kitchen contest Young Cooks.

Organised by the KM Charity Team, the Masterchef-style competition is open to children aged six to 19 from across the south-east, and one of its judging organisation’s hopes it can help launch young people towards exciting careers in the hospitality sector.

Peter McKenna, sales director at school and events catering business Principals by CH&CO, said: “Our mission in all the schools that we work with is to make food fun.

“As well as sharing important life skills and igniting a love and understanding of good food, we want to inspire the next generation of hospitality talent.

“Hospitality careers are diverse and exciting, and through initiatives such as the CH&CO Chef Academy and apprenticeships we support young people in their career ambitions.

“Young Cooks provides a great platform to introduce young people to the many opportunities hospitality can offer, and we’re thrilled to be supporting this fantastic competition.”

Would-be Young Cooks entrants have until Wednesday, November 6, to submit recipes, with shortlisted finalists being invited to prepare their dishes at a Masterchef-style final at judging organisation Broadstairs College later in the month.

Separate primary-school, family, secondary-school and overall winners will share £500 in prize money.

Apart from Principals by CH&CO and Broadstairs College, Young Cooks is supported by Golding Homes, Taylor Meats, the Dog at Wingham, the Southern Co-op, Chequers Kitchen, Macknade Fine Foods, Brakes, Three R's Teacher Recruitment, Kent Catering Services, SE Medical and Whole School Meals.

Find out more at www.youngcooks.org.uk.