The Kent-wide cooking competition KM Kent Cooks is now open for entry.

From super sandwiches to sizzling steaks, budding young chefs can showcase their menus and compete for the KM Kent Cooks 2014 crown.

Competition categories include primary school, secondary school and families for parent-and-child entrants.

One hopeful contestant is Whitstable schoolboy Harry Gibbs from Joy Lane Primary. The seven year-old is preparing courgette cupcakes for his submission for the primary school category.

Harry’s mum Jo said: “He loves cooking and cupcakes are a particular favourite. Harry’s very proud of his baking and it’s nice to be able to encourage him in this way. We thought that a recipe using courgettes is a bit different and gives a healthier message - and they are very tasty too!”

Nancy Clark, of the KM Charity Team, said: “We’re looking for entries from children as young as five all the way up to 18-year-olds. We’re expecting to see a range of abilities but we’re particularly interested in submissions that show creativity, presentation and an awareness of healthy living.

“We hope to get lots of young people cooking all over Kent in 2014.”

KM Kent Cooks 2014 sponsors include DFDS Seaway, Golding Homes, Southern Water, KCC, Brakes, East Kent College, Three R's Teacher Recruitment, Orbit Group and The Co-Operative.

The deadline for entries is November 4. Finalists will be invited to make their dish for a VIP judging panel at the competition final on November 28 at East Kent College.

To find out more or submit an entry, click here or call 0844 264 0291 (Lo-Call).