Children and families have until midnight on 1 November to enter Kent Cooks, making this final weekend of the school holidays the last chance to get involved.

The county’s official school cooking competition offers youngsters taking part a chance to win a share of £500 and the opportunity to cook in a Masterchef-style event.

And Kent’s very own Celebrity Masterchef contestant singer and presenter Cheryl Baker is encouraging children to get involved.

Cheryl said: “I presented a children’s cookery programme for five years in the nineties called “Eggs ‘n’ Baker”, which encouraged children to learn to cook. I wholeheartedly support and encourage children to cook.

“Having appeared in Celebrity Masterchef a few years ago, I understand the pressure of cooking in a competition but I am sure the children and families invited to the finals of Kent Cooks will love the experience.”

There are three categories: primary school pupils cook one dish, secondary students cook two complimentary dishes and parent and child teams entering the family category must cook two dishes. Every dish entered becomes an online recipe card and the best entrants are invited to attend the live cook-off.

Any child or young person aged six to 19 may enter KM Kent Cooks during the nomination window.

The aim is to develop the confidence and abilities of young people to prepare meals to a fixed budget, as well as to increase awareness of healthy options and locally grown Kentish produce.

Deadline to submit a completed entry: Complete the simple online entry form at www.kentcooks.co.uk before midnight on Tuesday 1st November.