Children and teenagers across the county have been cooking up a storm preparing for the Kent Cooks competition.

This year 158 entries were made for Kent’s official school cookery contest, which aims to encourage young people and families to develop a passion for cooking and healthy eating.

Judges were impressed by the standard of entries, but have managed to whittle them down to just 13 cooks who will battle it out at a Masterchef-style grand finale at East Kent College on Thursday, November 24.

They are hoping to see and taste a range of delicious, well balanced dishes, created with skill and panache. within budget and time limit. They are also keen to see local produce promoted.

The competition is staged annually by the KM Group's charity department with support from a wide range of organisations. There are awards for winners in each of the three categories: Family, Primary School, and Secondary School, but the real target for the young chefs is to be overall Kent Cooks champion.

The judging panel includes representatives from East Kent College, Suzanne Howe Communications, Factory First Kent, NFU Mutual, JC Rook and Sons, FFK Catering Ltd, Brakes, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Golding Homes, SE Medical, LC Services, Orbit, Paul Babra curry club, Castlewood Hotels, Whole School Meals, and Chequers Kitchen.

Lisa Craig of KM Charity Team said: "Congratulations to our talented finalists! The judges had such a tough decision with so many great entries. I know they can't wait to see what the finalists cook up on the day."

She added: "We're now looking forward to next year's competition and would love to get more businesses on board, especially those who promote healthy lifestyle choices in their communities. If that sounds like you, then please get in touch."

The top chefs for the Family, Primary School and Secondary School categories and the overall winner will receive certificates, goody bags and a share of the £500 prize money.

To find out more about KM Kent Cooks, or to view all the entries, visit www.kentcooks.co.uk

Organisations wanting to get involved with next year's event and benefit from publicity with the KM Group should contact Simon Dolby at sdolby@thekmgroup.co.uk or call him on 0844 264 0291.

KM Kent Cooks 2016 competition finalists

FAMILY CATEGORY

1. Amelia Murton, 17yrs, Canterbury College/Canterbury Area

2. Daniel Beesley, 10 yrs, Woodlands Primary School/ Tonbridge and Malling Area

3. Lucy Corlett, 8 yrs, St Philomena's CO School, St Mary's Cray/Bromley area

(Girl guide/3rd St Mary Cray)

PRIMARY

1. Cara O'Leary, 10yrs, Breaside Prep School/Bromley area

2. Eva Wyant 10 yrs Sandwich Junior School/ Thanet area

(Girls guide/2nd Ash Brownies)

3. Isobella Mcauley 10 yrs, St Joseph's Catholic Primary Broadstairs/ Thanet aea

4. Millie Jessop 9yrs, Lynsted and Norton School/ Swale area

SECONDARY

1. Casey Warren. 17yrs, Canterbury Academy/ Canterbury area

2. Amelia Sladden, 15 yrs, Invicta Grammar, Maidstone area

3. Charlie Mason 13 yrs, St John's Catholic comprehensive, Gravesend/ Medway area

4. Ellie Cheek 15 yrs, Invicta Grammar 15 yrs/ Maidstone area

5. Toby Sears 14 yrs, Wilmington Academy/ Dartford Area

(Kent Scouts)

6. Olivia Lowe 13 yrs Maidstone Grammar/ Maidstone area