In the countdown to Kent Cooks wannabe young chefs are being urged to enter the contest before the November 3 deadline.

Judges of the Masterchef-style competition gathered at Kent Cookery School to throw down the gauntlet to youngsters to submit an entry before it is too late.

Budding cooks aged between six and 19 years can enter by completing a simple online form at www.kentcooks.co.uk. The best submissions will be invited to a thrilling live cook-off using professional cooking facilities and have the chance to compete for a share of £500.

“It’s so easy to take part,” said Lisa Craig of Kent Cooks. “Simply prepare a meal, take a photograph of the finished dish and upload the image along with recipe details to the Kent Cooks website.

“The judges are particularly interested in creative entries where thought has been given to presentation, healthy options and locally sourced ingredients.”

Judges joining the call for entries included Alison Nightingale of Three R’s Teacher Recruitment; Simon Davey of Countrystyle Recycling; Paul Babra of PaulBabra.co.uk; Dan Kennedy from Kent Cookery School; Daniel Sangiuseppe and Will Britton of Best Western Abbots Barton Hotel; Bill Parkinson of VooServers; Zoe Gill and Sharon Spokes of Brakes; Sarah-Jane Leipnik from Golding Vision.

Finalists will prepare their dishes for the judging panel on November 26 at East Kent College, Broadstairs in a bid for the Kent Cooks crown.

The winning secondary school pupil will receive £150, the top family team will be awarded £100, and the primary school winner will receive £50. The Kent Cooks overall champion will win £200.

KM Kent Cooks is organised by the KM Charity Team with support from businesses including Mini Babybel, Orbit South, S.E. Medical, JC Rook and Sons and Licensing Consultancy Services.

For more details or to enter, visit www.kentcooks.co.uk.