Junior chefs can stir and sizzle at Kent’s official school cookery competition which is now open for nominations.

Primary and secondary school pupils can take part in Kent Cooks, and a key partner of the event is keen to unearth the culinary superstars of tomorrow.

Laura Bounds of Kent Crisps and Kentish Oils, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Kent Cooks this year. The competition enables young people to showcase their passion for cooking and indeed their abilities in the kitchen by producing wholesome, healthy food with a distinct connection to the county.”

She added: “We believe it is extremely important to prompt children into trying new foods, experimenting with new recipes, and being able to understand the importance of ingredients.”

Kent Cooks is accepting nominations now, and offers entrants three categories – primary, secondary and family – in which either one or two dishes are prepared.

Young chefs aged 19 and under are eligible to take part in the Masterchef-style contest, and are encouraged to produce healthy dishes featuring local ingredients, set to a fixed budget.

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

Lisa Craig, events manager at the KM Charity Team which organises the competition, said: “Kent Crisps and Kentish Oils are passionate about their local heritage, and we are too. Enabling children to engage with local produce and create food that is delicious, nutritious and maintained at a fixed budget is providing them with invaluable life skills. We are very excited about receiving your entries!”

Key partners of Kent Cooks include Suzanne Howe Communications, Paul Babra, Kent Crisps and Kentish Oils, Best Western Abborts Barton Hotel, J.C. Rook and Sons, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Orbit South, Brakes, Golding Vision (Part of Golding Homes), S.E. Medical, Whole School Meals, Chequers Kitchen Cookery School, East Kent College, FFK Catering Equipment, Mini Babybel, and Licensing Consultancy Service.

For more information and to submit a nomination, visit www.kentcooks.co.uk