Over 700 aspiring chefs entered the nationwide CookIt! competition to design and produce their unique menus for a panel of expert judges. The CookIt! cook-off will take place next week at the BBC studios in London.

To take the title, the six junior cooks will have to impress top TV chefs Stefan Gates, the presenter of kids’ programme Gastronauts, and Valentine Warner, star of What to Eat Now.

Stefan Gates said he was thrilled to be a judge in this year’s competition: "Meal times should be adventurous and this is a fantastic way to get children to explore ingredients and to get creative with their food,” he said.

The qualifying kids have come up with impressive, creative concepts: among the chosen menus is a sophisticated ballotine of pheasant with spiced carrot puree, star anise sorbet and a chocolate basket filled with mint cream. Now they must put their culinary skills to the test and turn innovative ideas into delicious dishes.

The victorious junior chef will win a family holiday at a dairy farm in Gurnsey to learn about fresh produce – and receive a tour of top local restaurant, Blue Plate.

What do you think of this story? Are you a budding young chef or hopeless in the kitchen? Leave your comments below, or answer our poll Can you cook?