THE region’s hottest cooking competition is back and bigger than ever! East Berkshire College and the Observer are inviting anyone aged 12 to 19 living in Berkshire to create a delicious dish which will ‘wow’ the judges in an exciting Masterchef-style contest.

With fantastic prizes on offer and a chance to cook for some of the UK’s top chefs, this competition is an opportunity not to be missed. Those individuals who make it through to the final will take part in a live cook-off at Langley College, which will be judged by experts including Michelin star chefs from Tom Kerridge’s Hand & Flowers and award-winning pastry chef Will Torrent.

There are two age categories again this year, 12 to 15 and 16 to 19. The winner in each category will get the chance to go behind the scenes at the Oakley Court Hotel near Windsor, where they will receive a masterclass from the hotel’s head chef and enjoy a three-course meal in the hotel’s award-winning restaurant with their parents. If that wasn’t enough, they will also win a collection of baking accessories thanks to Sainsbury’s Uxbridge Road store.

The winner of the 12 to 15 age category will also receive a signed copy of Will Torrent’s new book Afternoon Tea at Home and some of the finest Belgian chocolate from Callebaut. While the 16 to 19 category winners will win a complimentary meal for them and their parents at the two Michelin star Hand & Flowers in Marlow and a signed cookbook courtesy of Tom Kerridge.

Richard Smith, managing director of the Oakley Court, said: “We are incredibly proud to support this local competition once again and look forward to welcoming some of the county’s best young talent to the hotel.

"It is always very exciting to see such gifted young chefs honing their skills and we were delighted to support their development as local talent and produce is a key part of our own kitchen ethos.”

To enter the competition, all you have to do is create your own main course (if you are aged 16 to 19) or a dessert (if you are aged 12 to 15) using whatever ingredients you wish. Then email us with your list of ingredients, recipe and a photograph of your dish along with your name, date of birth, address and telephone number. Send your email to bestchef@eastberks.ac.uk by midnight on Wednesday, March 2 for your chance to win. For full details, terms and conditions, visit www.eastberks.ac.uk/bestchef