Creative fun is on the menu with 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 Kent and the south-east.

Entrants are invited to submit recipes that are healthy and delicious, with special consideration given to dishes incorporating locally sourced ingredients.

The deadline for doing so is Wednesday, November 6.

Shortlisted entrants will be invited to prepare their dishes for a panel of judges at a Masterchef-style final the same month, and one of the judging organisations has emphasised the important role cookery and the competition can play in promoting children’s creativity and a positive attitude to the food.

Stephanie Hayman of Chequers Kitchen Cookery School in Deal said: “We’re supporting Young Cooks again because we think it’s a fabulous programme.

“We do lots of cooking with children and young people and families ourselves, and really see the great benefit of people enjoying cooking, enjoying using fresh products.

“They enjoy the end result, but they also enjoy the process.”

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

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

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