The county's official school cookery contest is underway as key partners of Kent Cooks gathered for the autumn launch event.

Members of the judging panel and wider supporters of the initiative met at Best Western Abborts Barton Hotel in Canterbury, and they are calling for young people to get creative in the kitchen.

Aaron Costen, Head Chef at the Abborts Barton Hotel, lent his advice to the aspiring cooks. "What I'm looking for in your dish is simplicity. Strive for really bold, delicious flavours which makes your food stand out as opposed to creating something too complicated," he said.

Jack Harland of Benenden Hospital Trust said: "Learning to cook is a critical life skill which is largely missed these days. Schemes such as this are the perfect way to enthuse youngsters about creating quality food, but it also serves as a great opportunity for them to further social and family skills, too."

Philip Cornish of NFU Mutual commented on the categorisation of the initiative. "What we at NFU Mutual love about Kent Cooks is that there is something for everyone. Primary school children can take part and create a single dish, whilst secondary school pupils or families can get cooking and serve up two dishes. Being able to cook is extremely important, but being able to cook together is something most rewarding and fulfilling," he said.

Leah Macdonald of 3Rs teacher recruitment said: "It is vital that young people gain a rich understanding of healthy foods early on, and indeed how to prepare them. The Kent Cooks initiative enables this and rewards children for being an active part."

Nominations for Kent Cooks are now open and can be submitted until Tuesday, November 1.

Devised by the KM Group’s charitable sector, the Masterchef-inspired competition is now open for nominations until Tuesday, November 1. Young chefs aged six to 19 are eligible to compete and are encouraged to incorporate local produce and ingredients into their dishes.

Those successful during the initial stages of competition will be invited to prepare their dishes at a VIP luncheon staged at the Best Western Abborts Barton Hotel in Canterbury where they will compete for a share of the £500 prize money.

The winning primary pupil will claim £50, whilst £100 will be awarded to the family winner. The secondary pupil will receive £150 and the Kent Cooks overall champion will land a £200 cash prize.

All entries must include a full recipe card, a photograph of the dish/dishes, and a photograph of the chef with their dishes. These can be submitted to www.kentcooks.co.uk

Kent Cooks is backed by an array of key partners including East Kent College; Bel UK; Orbit; Licencing Consultancy Service; S.E. Medical; FFK Catering Equipment; Kentish Oils; 3Rs teacher recruitment; Brakes; Golding Vision (Part of Golding Homes); NFU Mutual; Whole School Meals; Paul Babra; J.C. Rook and Sons; Suzanne Howe Communications; Chequers Kitchen Cookery School; Benenden Hospital Trust and Best Western Abborts Barton Hotel.

For more information about getting involved, click here.