IT S time one again to start rattling those pots and pans as The Hunts Post begins its search for some of Huntingdonshire s best young chefs. Now in its third year, the Junior Chef competition is a fun event for 11 to 14-year-olds and comes with some fant

IT'S time one again to start rattling those pots and pans as The Hunts Post begins its search for some of Huntingdonshire's best young chefs.

Now in its third year, the Junior Chef competition is a fun event for 11 to 14-year-olds and comes with some fantastic prizes for the winner, including an amazing iPod Touch.

The idea is simple, easy to enter and will show some of those celebrity television chefs a thing or two about good food.

Our young chefs must first create a two-course (main and dessert) healthy menu that should cost no more than �10 to buy all the main ingredients.

If you fancy trying recipes with some French flare or some spicy treats from the East, that's not a problem. All we ask is for our chefs to use as many locally-grown ingredients as possible - helping to keep those food miles to a minimum and highlight the great produce available in the area.

Once you've completed your menu and worked out how much it would cost, send the details to The Hunts Post.

Up to six young chefs will then be chosen to take part in a cook off in the kitchens at the Saxongate Centre in Huntingdon on September 26.

You'll have TWO hours to prepare your courses and impress our judges.

The winner will get a special treat for their family: Their winning menu will be cooked for them by talented kitchen team at The Old Bridge Hotel in Huntingdon.

They will also receive a special award and a selection of other goodies.

"There are some amazing young chefs in Huntingdonshire whose cookery skills would put a lot of adults to shame, including me," said Andy Veale, editor of The Hunts Post. "I've been lucky enough to taste some of the dishes which have been created for this competition and the taste buds have been tingled every time.

"The competition is easy to enter, and a great summer holiday activity.

"I'm sure we'll get another batch of exciting and mouth-watering menus."

INFORMATION: Entries should be sent on A4 paper and will need to include your name, age, contact details and should also be signed by a parent or guardian. The closing date is September 4. All finalists will be contacted by The Hunts Post with details about the cook off at the Saxongate Centre on September 26.