This week a VIP reception lunch was held to celebrate the winners of the county’s annual cookery contest for schools, KM Kent Cooks.

Sir Julian Brazier MP and the Sheriff of Canterbury attended the event to honour the 2016 cooking champs Olivia Lowe, 13, from Maidstone, Isobella McAuley, ten, from Broadstairs, Casey Warren, 17, from Canterbury, Lucy Corlett, eight, from Bromley and Kent Cooks The Professionals winner Byron Kirk from Broadstairs.

Olivia Lowe, who was crowned overall Kent Cooks winner in November, had her kitchen skills put to the test one last time as she prepared and served her prize-winning menu to VIP’s in attendance as well as members of the competition’s judging panel including food industry experts.

Sir Julian Brazier said: “What this competition does is it enthuses hundreds of children into trying to cook better and this is so important. Huge congratulations to the winning chef, I must say it was one of the best meals I have eaten.”

Judges were ecstatic with the high standard and level of expertise shown throughout the Junior Master Chef style competition and praised the top young chefs. Laura Bounds of Kent Crisps said: “It is so exciting to see young innovative chefs try different techniques and use different products, I saw so many of them using local products which is great.”

Kent champion Olivia delighted her guests with stunning cuisine and beamed “I am really proud to have won Kent Cooks, it has given me loads of great opportunities and experiences.”

The Sheriff of Canterbury and MP Sir Julian Brazier were among 20 guests at the two-course meal organised by the KM charity team and hosted by the Best Western Abbots Barton Hotel.

The competition is supported by East Kent College, Suzanne Howe Communications, NFU Mutual, JC Rook and Sons, Benenden Hospital Trust, Kentish Oils, FFK Catering Ltd, Brakes, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Golding Homes, SE Medical, LC Services, Orbit, Canterbury Curry Club, Castlewood Hotels, Whole School Meals, and Chequers Kitchen.

Schools and families can find information on entering this year’s competition by visiting www.kentcooks.co.uk.