Application forms are now available for prospective entrants to the Restaurant Association’s annual Young Chef Young Waiter competition.

Now in its 24th year, Young Chef Young Waiter is the premier competition for both young chefs and young waiters working in the UK hospitality industry today.

Entrance to the competition is an essential way for the rising stars of our industry to expand their learning and experience, and enhance both their own and their establishments' reputation.

The prize list has been enhanced for 2008, and now includes:

• A special prize sponsored by the Savoy Educational Trust to the value of £250 to the winning chef and waiter at each of the regional finals.

• All 16 national finalists receive an invitation to visit Champagne Besserat de Bellefon in Epernay for the final stage of the competition.

• A first prize of £2,000 for the overall winners plus an exclusive gastronomic stay in London which includes a visit to the Restaurant Show, dinner at Chez Bruce and lunch in the Krug Room at The Dorchester, courtesy of the CMA. Not to mention a range of award winning chef knives and accessories from Gustav Emil Ern, courtesy of Gilberts Food Equipment for the chef, and a selection of fine wines for the waiter.

• A runners-up prize of £1,000 each plus knives for the chef from the new Signature range, courtesy of Robert Welch Designs, and a selection of fine wines for the waiter.

• Third prize winners receive £500 each plus knives for the chef from the new Signature range, courtesy of Robert Welch Designs, and a selection of fine wines for the waiter.

• An establishment prize of a Pronto 4 Counter-top Ice Cream Maker from the leading Italian ice cream equipment manufacturer, Carpigiani, or £2000 towards any other new Carpigiani batch freezer for the entering establishments of the First Prize winners.

All national prize winners also receive a year’s subscription to restaurant magazine.

Closing date for entries: Monday 23 June 2008

For further details please contact Pauline Jackson at the BHA either by email [email protected] or please call +44 (0)20 7269 9686.

For further details of the competition and to download the application form please visit the Young Chef Young Waiter website at www.bha.org.uk/ycyw