The search is on to find the winner of the 2009 Kent Young Chef Award.

The competition supported by the KM Group has been given the backing of Kent celebrity chef Richard Phillips who will be on the judging panel.

Launched by Produced in Kent the competition aims to find a brand new recipe thought up by one of the county’s secondary school students.

It will culminate in a live cook off at Thanet College in November where it will be hosted by TV’s award-winning Art Attack presenter Neil Buchanan.

Teenagers have the chance to prove they can devise an original recipe made using seasonal autumnal ingredients grown locally in Kent.

The competition and award sponsored by leading local foodservice supplier kff, is open for entries now.