Four talented young chefs have been crowned the winners of the county’s official school cookery contest KM Kent Cooks.

Abbie Fitz-Gerald, 13, from New Line Academy in Maidstone triumphed over 12 other finalists in an exciting Masterchef-style cook-off at East Kent College to be named overall Kent Cooks champion.

She made a Whitstable wharf pie with lemon mash and glazed julienne carrots, followed by Abbie’s Chocolate Dream with candied orange swirls.

The secondary school category was won by Abbie Matthews, 15, from Spires Academy in Canterbury. Her two-course entry was spicy meatballs with braised rice followed by clementine and vanilla jelly with a clementine compote.

Evie Goodearl, seven, from Culverstone Green Primary School in Meopham, won the primary school category with her strawberry and basil cheesecake.

The family category winner was Daniel Beesley, eight, from Woodlands Junior School in Tonbridge who made seasonal stuffed roasted aubergines and a caramel cheesecake.

Thirteen finalists were selected from a record breaking 167 competition entries, where youngsters submitted photographs of their signature dish along with details of cooking method to the Kent Cooks website.

The competition was staged by the KM Charity Team with the support of Countrystyle Recycling, Mini Babybel, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, DFDS Seaways, Southern Water, Kent Cookery School, Golding Homes, Orbit South, Brakes, Carefree Communications, VooServers and Licensing Consultancy Services.

Simon Dolby of the KM Charity Team said: “The judges were impressed by the children’s creativity, skill and awareness of healthy eating and locally sourced ingredients.”

He added: “I’m so grateful to all of our partners for their involvement in Kent Cooks and I’d also like to thank Katherine Garratt for her tireless contact and support in making the event such a success.”

The winners received a share of £500 along with a certificate, Masterchef cook book and goody bag.

Find out more about the KM Charity Team's work including Kent Cooks, walk to school projects, Buster's Book Club and more, at www.kmcharityteam.co.uk.

• KM Kent Cooks 2015 will open for entries in February. Businesses interested in becoming partners or sponsors and helping to build and grow this event should contact Simon Dolby at sdolby@thekmgroup.co.uk or call 07989 164 752.

The KM Kent Cooks Finalists for 2014

Family category finalists

• Luke Gowers, 8, from Swalecliffe Community Primary School in Whitstable
• Evelyn Lee, 4, from Ash, Cartwright and Kelsey C of E Primary in Canterbury
• Daniel Beesley, 8, from Woodlands Junior School in Tonbridge

Primary School category finalists

• Isobella McAuley , 8, from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Broadstairs
• Hannah Stanley, 9, from Herne Bay Juniors
• Evie Goodearl, 7, from Culverstone Green Primary School in Meopham
• Cian Joseph, 7, from Culverstone Green Primary School in Meopham

Secondary School category finalists

• Aaron Waller, 12, from St John’s Catholic Comprehensive School in Gravesend
• Abi Stillwell, 13, from New Line Academy in Maidstone
• Michalina Michalska, 14, from Invicta Grammar School in Maidstone
• Abbie Fitz-Gerald, 13, from New Line Academy in Maidstone
• Benjamin Clare, 13, from North School in Ashford
• Abbie Matthews, 15, from Spires Academy in Canterbury