Prestigious Young Chef Young Waiter competition returns after seven years

The prestigious Young Chef Young Waiter competition, which marks Marcus Wareing, Mark Sargeant and Simon King among its previous winners, will relaunch after a seven-year hiatus.

Established in 1979, the competition will be judged by the likes of Theo Randall, Claude Bosi, Emily Roux, Jeff Galvin, Andy Downton, Johanna Wimmer. Chefs under the age of 26 will be called on to submit digital entries before the lucky 40 candidates are asked to attend a live competition final in London.

The top three in both categories will be matched with world-renowned chefs and highly respected front of house specialists in amazing locations. Prizes will include travel, accommodation and completely unique work experience with exceptional experts in Michelin-starred restaurants.

Entries open on 31 July and close on 15 September.

The challenge is being put on by private members club the Nth Degree's Robert Walton MBE, who chaired the competition for six years, in partnership with industry body UKHospitality and the Restaurant Association to promote hospitality as a career of choice.

Additionally, the event will support Springboard's FutureChef initiative and the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Adopt a School scheme.

The Nth Degree's Robert Walton MBE said: "As the past chairman of the competition from 2006 to 2012, I'm delighted to relaunch the Young Chef Young Waiter concept and give a new generation a fantastic opportunity to excel in the hospitality industry. The revamped competition will have an X Factor-style to it so contestants can demonstrate their best work and passion for their vocation.

"I'm excited to partner with UK Hospitality and the Restaurant Association for the 40th anniversary of the competition and we have Magnum, Arla Pro and the Cayman Islands as our title sponsors.

"I've recruited the best people in the hospitality industry so our roster of judges includes Claude Bosi, Emily Roux, Jeff Galvin, Andy Downton, Johanna Wimmer. The final in October is sure to be a star-studded affair to celebrate this prestigious occasion."

Anne Pierce MBE, chief executive of Springboard, added: "We are delighted that Young Chef Youngyoung people progress in their early hospitality careers - and thrilled that YCYW will be supporting Springboard's FutureChef & FAB programmes run in secondary schools.

"We see a huge connection. Our school programmes engage young people from 11 to 16 years old, inspiring them to join the industry. YCYW then picks up the baton and nurtures the next stage of their career."