River Cottage's talent search

Axminster's River Cottage is once again hosting a competition to find the next young cooking talent as Rising Star returns for 2014.

The competition looks to find an inspirational character amongst the best of Britain’s young cooks. It offers them the chance to follow in the footsteps of last year’s champion, Sam Lomas, and become River Cottage’s Rising Star 2014.

The champion will not only become the face of the Young Chef Apprenticeship Scheme, but also gain a once-in-a-life time opportunity to secure 12 months' employment and training at River Cottage HQ.

They will star in videos, cook for distinguished guests and be at the forefront of activity at the famous farm.

The competition, open for 16 – 24 year olds, requires each entrant to upload a video to Youtube which demonstrates their love of food and ambition to become a chef.

The most popular eight videos and two wildcards selected by River Cottage will go through to be interviewed with the judging panel, Gill Meller, Gary Richmond, Harriet Wild and Sam Lomas.

The lucky finalists then need to wow Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and the other judges in a live culinary battle at Hugh’s Summer Party to be crowned the River Cottage Rising Star 2014.

Chris Griffin, Head of Education at River Cottage said, "We are very excited about the return of Rising Star.

Last year’s contestants overwhelmed us with their level of cooking ability and enthusiasm and proved that the culinary ambition of 16 – 24 year olds is impressive. We eagerly wait to see what masterpieces this year’s entrants will come up with!"

Applications are now open until Friday 22 August, visit rivercottage.net/risingstar for more details.

If cooking’s not your thing, River Cottage also offer apprenticeships and qualifications in food and beverage service. For more details, visit rivercottage.net/chefs-school/food-and-beverage-service/