The summer holidays are finally here, but temperatures aren’t the only thing set to sizzle as young chefs can get ahead of the competition by submitting their Kent Cooks entries early.

The county’s official school cookery competition is designed to locate students across Kent, Medway and Bexley who have flavour and flair in the kitchen, and this year is offering an extra-special incentive to get involved.

All junior cooks who enter over the summer holidays (by September 1) will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a pair of Eurostar travel tickets redeemable against trips to destinations such as Paris and Brussels.

Devised by the KM Group’s charitable sector, the Masterchef-inspired competition is divided into three core categories – primary, secondary and family – in which either a single or two dishes are prepared.

Young chefs aged six to 19 are eligible to take part and are required to upload images of their meals as well as a recipe card to www.kentcooks.co.uk when entering.

Chefs are encouraged to incorporate local produce and ingredients into their dishes, and create healthy, cost-effective meals.

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.

The charitable school competition is backed by a variety of businesses including: Orbit, Whole School Meals, J.C. Rook and Sons, Golding Vision (Part of Golding Homes), Bel UK, S.E. Medical, AMC Foods and Kentish Oils, FFK Catering Limited, Benenden Hospital Trust, 3Rs teacher recruitment, Licensing Consultancy Service, Best Western Abborts Barton Hotel, East Kent College, Paul Babra, Brakes, Suzanne Howe Communications and Chequers Kitchen Cookery School.

KM Charity Team events manager Lisa Craig was quick to comment on summer entries. “What better time to prepare your masterpiece meals than over the school summer holidays? Take advantage of the free time by creating food that’s delicious, healthy and showcases your fantastic skills, and remember to submit your entry before September 1 for the chance to win those Eurostar tickets!,” she said.

For further information on how to take part, visit the Kent Cooks website.