Kitchen creativity is once again on the menu with Masterchef-style contest Young Cooks.

Children and families from across the south-east can now submit entries for the 2019 edition of the competition, which aims to uncover the best young cooking talent in the region.

The competition was launched at The Dog at Wingham, where the judges spoke of their pride and excitement at being involved with the competition.

Sarah Leipnik of Golding Homes said: “We’re supporting this project because it’s such an amazing way for young people to demonstrate their skills and their passion about cooking and using ingredients that are local and healthy.”

She said that Golding was “amazed” by the standard of 2018’s competition and “couldn’t wait” to see the entries for this year.

Ms Leipnik added: “If you are interested in cooking, please enter.”

The competition is organised by Inspire Schools, and supported by CH & Co Group, SE Medical Ltd, Chequers Kitchen, Broadstairs College, Brakes, Golding Homes, Three R's Teacher Recruitment, Southern Co-operative, Kent Catering Services, The Dog at Wingham, Whole School Meals and Taylor Meats.

The judges are seeking ideas for dishes that are healthy and delicious.

Gary Maryan of the Southern Co-op said his business was particularly keen on the competition’s promotion of locally sourced produce.

He added that a lot of the food in 2018 “came from local suppliers, and that’s something that we’re very passionate about”.

Young Cooks coordinator Hannah Hawksworth said: “I’m so excited to get the ball rolling for the 2019 Young Cooks contest, and would invite young people and their families to start thinking about and road-testing their recipes immediately.

“The competition is open to any young person in the south-east aged between six and 19, and you can enter either individually or as part of a team with mum or dad.”

The Young Cooks finalists will be invited to cook their dishes for a VIP panel at a live Masterchef-style event.

And the winners will share £500 in prize money, with separate primary-school, family, secondary-school and overall prizes being handed out.

See www.youngcooks.co.uk for more information. And contact Hannah Hawksworth at Hhawksworth@thekmgroup.co.uk.

And watch a video about the launch event here: