The deadline has been extended for both the kitchen and pastry graduate awards to provide as many young chefs with the possible to participate in the awards.

Steve Munkley, founder of the Graduate Awards, said: “It’s a very special time for the Graduate Awards as we celebrate our 15th year and I feel it’s important we give as many chefs as we can the opportunity to be part of this event.

“We’ve seen previous graduates go on to have fantastic careers including working in Michelin-starred kitchens and winning national competitions such as Young National Chef of the Year.”

Shortlisted chefs will be invited to one of two regional heats, in the north and south of England, to try and gain a place in the final examination in Birmingham in August. The 2017 Graduates will be revealed at a ceremony in September.

Those aged 23-years-old and under wanting to apply should complete the online or paper entry form, available to download here, before the deadline.