TIME is running out for young chefs to get involved in a competition that could help launch their careers.

There are just a few weeks left for the young people in the county to get their hands on up to £1,000 with the Ludlow Food Festival searching for the region’s next big food and drink talent.

The deadline for applications for the 2014 Graeme Kidd Memorial Bursary is Monday July 14. This award will see one or more young people aged between 16 and 25 receive up to £1,000 to kick-start their careers.

“Whether you want to be a chef, work front of house, launch your own drinks business or become a food scientist the bursary is for you,” said Beth Heath, operations director at The Food Festival.

“It can be used in so many ways from tuition fees to travel expenses, so it’s well worth filling in the simple application form.”

The bursary will be awarded to individuals who live within the Marches, which includes Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Powys.

Previous winner, events management student Dan Cooper knows the rewards the bursary can bring.

He certainly put his grant to good use assisting food producers at exhibitions, working at corporate hospitality venues in the capital and looking after corporate guests at the London 2012 Olympics .

It has given him a real opportunity to broaden his skills and get behind the scenes at some of the country’s biggest events.

“The grant has been invaluable to me and has supported the travel and accommodation costs involved in attending various events, networking opportunities and shows. I simply couldn’t have done everything or gained the practical experience I did during that year without the bursary.”

Details of the bursary and how to apply can be found on the food festivals website www.foodfestival.co.uk under ‘The Festival’ section. The closing date is Monday July 14.