The British Turkey Awards is now open for entries, including the category for Best School Meal.

Now in its 15th year, the event is a mix of catering, retail and consumer awards.

The award for Best School Meal is aimed to encourage more turkey dishes on the school menu. School cooks will be asked to create their own original recipe and serve it to the students during lunch service.

Entrants can use any kind of British turkey catering cut carrying the Quality British Turkey and Red Tractor logo – whether portions such as turkey steaks, mince, fillets or whole joints.

The criteria include suitability for target end user, showcase turkey as the "hero" of the dish, and good balance of ingredients. The entries will be shortlisted to three and visited by independent judges who will make the final decision.

Finalist will be invited to an awards ceremony at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre on 22nd September where the winner will be revealed and take home the coveted British Turkey Awards trophy and certificate.

Lorna Cousins, chair of the British Turkey Federation marketing committee, commented: "Turkey is a fantastic choice for school menus, as it ticks the boxes required by school cooks when choosing tasty but nutritious meal options. It is low in fat, highly versatile and also represents good value for money.

"We hope this award will encourage them to create some new and exciting dishes that the pupils will enjoy, as well as encourage them to use convenient turkey cuts or portions, which they have not  previously considered."