Entries are still open for the Restaurant Association’s 2006 Young Chef Young Waiter competition, but with the closing date now less than three weeks away, all entry forms should be returned as soon as possible.

The Restaurant Association has already received a considerable response from prospective competitors since the competition launch last month, and is now looking for the last few entries before the closing date of 30 June.

Now in its 22nd year, the competition pits the hospitality industry’s best young kitchen and front-of-house staff against one another over a series of four regional heats in September, leading to a grand final and prize-giving at London’s Westminster College in October.

The two winners will each receive a cash prize of £2,000, plus a week-long study trip to Barbados courtesy of the Barbados Tourism Board.

Second prize winners receive a cheque for £1,000, and third prize winners win £500.

The 16 grand finalists will also be treated to a trip to Reims, the Champagne region of France, courtesy of Louis Roederer.

Entrants to the Young Chef Young Waiter competition must be aged 25 or under, and currently working full time in the UK as a chef or a waiter.

Entry forms can be downloaded from the official Young Chef Young Waiter website, www.ycyw.co.uk or requested from Tricia Ninian at the Restaurant Association on +44 (0)207 404 7744 or email [email protected]