Kent Cooks – the county’s official school cookery contest – is now open for entries, and this year there is an extra special incentive for the chefs of tomorrow.

The Overall Champion of the competition will be invited to a VIP Luncheon at the Best Western Abborts Barton Hotel, Canterbury where their winning dishes will be placed upon the hotel’s menu.

Daniel Sangiseppe of the Abborts Barton Hotel, said: “Kent Cooks provides young people with the opportunity to showcase their culinary skills, as well as further them. It is an initiative we are most passionate about and believe the wonderful food which is prepared for the competition should be enjoyed. That’s why we will be placing the Overall Champion’s dish upon our menu.”

Devised by the KM Group’s charitable sector, the Masterchef-inspired competition is open to junior chefs across the county aged six to 19.

The contest is divided into three principal categories – primary, secondary and family. Primary participants are required to prepare a single dish, whilst family and secondary entrants must preapre two.

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

All submissions must be received by Tuesday, November 1 and all applicants are required to send a photograph of their signature dish or dishes as well as a recipe card.

Pupils who submit their entries before Thursday, September 1 will automatically be included into a prize draw to win a pair of Eurostar tickets.

The charitable awards scheme is supported by a variety of businesses including Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, FFK Catering Limited, Suzanne Howe Communications, Chequers Kitchen Cookery School, Paul Babra, East Kent College, Golding Vision (Part of Golding Homes), Brakes, Orbit South, J.C. Rook and Sons, AMC Foods and Kentish Oils, Benenden Hospital Trust, S.E. Medical, Whole School Meals, Licensing Consultancy Service and Best Western Abborts Barton Hotel.

Events manager Lisa Craig of the KM Charity Team, said: “Taking part in Kent Cooks is a deeply rewarding and wholesome experience, but having your meal upon a top hotel’s menu is the icing on the cake. Guests of honour at the VIP Luncheon could be enjoying the food that crowned you as Overall Champion; now that is something to shout about!”

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