THE search is on to find Cumbria's most promising chef.

Windermere-based food supplier McClures has joined forces with local businesses champion Made in Cumbria to launch the Cumbrian Young Chef of the Year award.

The annual competition aims to reward creative young talent in the kitchen and celebrate the use of locally-produced ingredients.

"There is a lot of hidden talent out there and I'm hoping we can tap into it and bring out the talents of these young chefs," said Gary McClure. "A lot of these young chefs really don't know how good there are. This competition is about helping them grow."

Contenders will be required to prepare and produce a three-course lunch for one in just 45 minutes, using limited ingredients within given guidelines.

It is open to those aged 17 to 23 who work within the catering industry in the county including hotels, restaurants, pubs and contract catering.

Initially, those who want to battle it out are invited to submit a list of ingredients and recipe outlines for each of their three courses which will be reviewed by the judges.

Successful applicants with the most adventurous recipes will be get the chance to to compete in a cook-off at a series of knock-out heats in front of the general public at food festivals and shows across the county.

The two young chefs who make it through to the last round will go head to head in the final at the the Westmorland County Show in September.

A panel of prominent local chefs will judge the competition using criteria set by the Craft Guild of Chefs.

Prizes include nomination as a Member of the Craft Guild of Chefs, along with a year’s free membership, a weekend break for two, plus runner-up prizes.

The deadline for completed entries is February 28.

For more information or an application form contact Gary McClure on 07879 599 466 or email gary@woodlandfreerange.co.uk