There are just two more weeks for entrants to the Restaurant Association’s 22nd annual Young Chef Young Waiter competition to submit their forms.

The deadline has been extended to Monday 10 July and we are now looking for the last few entries before the closing date.

Prizes include up to £2,000 cash, a week-long study trip to Barbados courtesy of Elegant Hotels and the Barbados Tourism Board, and a weekend for two at the luxurious Pennyhill Park Hotel in Surrey.

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

David Baldwin, chairman of the Restaurant Association, said, “We at the Restaurant Association are very proud of our Young Chef Young Waiter competition.

“It is a great format and many long lasting friendships have been born through the camaraderie created at this great competition, which has been won by many of today’s leaders in the industry.”

Winner of the 2005 Young Chef prize Marcus McGuiness, of Le Champignon Sauvage, said, “I’m proud to be the young Chef 2005, and winning this competition gives me the confidence and enthusiasm to continue consolidating my skills.”

Leah Fellstad, 2005 Young Waiter winner, said, “When I was announced the winner it was like a dream and really such an achievement – I’m really glad I won!”

The four regional heats are due to take place in September in Scotland, Yorkshire, Birmingham and London, with a grand final and prize-giving at London’s Westminster College in October.

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