Young chefs got ready, ensured their nerves were steady and battled it out at the Kent Cooks 2016 final.

There were four titles up for grabs for the 13 finalists in the annual cookery contest for schools. The overall winner was Olivia Lowe, thirteen, of Maidstone Grammar School for Girls. The top chef used lots of local produce to whip up a salmon and watercress tartlet, followed by plum cobbler.

Olivia was among 158 entries to the competition from youngsters across Kent aged six to 19 years. Each created an original menu, submitting recipes and photographs of their dishes to fight for a place in the final.

The 13 best entries were invited to a live Masterchef-style cook-off at East Kent College, Broadstairs, to compete for awards in three categories, as well as the hotly contested crown of Kent Cooks overall champion. The categories were Family, Primary School, and Secondary School.

Winner of the Family category was Lucy Corlett, eight, of St. Philomena's Primary School in St Mary Cray, Bromley, who paired up with her mum Stephanie Corlett to produce posh cheese on toast, followed by apple pie with homemade bread and butter ice cream.

Isobella McAuley, ten, of St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Broadstairs took first place in the competition’s Primary School category. She impressed the judges with her cooking precision and presentation when plating up a dish of cod fillet with tomato and lentil sauce and flat leaf parsley. Canterbury Academy pupil Casey Warren, 17, clinched the Secondary School category with her recipes for pork in Kentish cider and dark chocolate souffle with strawberries.

The panel of judges were impressed by the advanced techniques employed by the young culinary wizards, as well as their use of local ingredients and ability to create healthy, balanced meals.

Judge Phil Cornish from NFU said: "The young chefs have really thought about some of the health issues when coming up with their recipes. There's also been a lot of local sourcing, which we really like to see."

Judges also emphasised the importance of learning to cook at a young age.

Gemma Tutt from FFK catering supplies said: "It's really important for us that we encourage the next generation to get really passionate about cooking."

To reward their expertise, winners were presented with trophies and a share of £500 prize money, as well as certificates and goody bags.

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 next year’s competition by visiting www.kentcooks.co.uk.

To view photographs of the event, click here.

Businesses interested in getting involved with the contest in 2016 can contact Lisa Craig at lcraig@thekmgroup.co.uk or on 0844 264 0291.