TO CELEBRATE the final of Channel 4’s Great British Bake Off, pupils and teachers at a Stonehouse school ran their own competition to find the best baker.

With a technical challenge of presenting a Halloween Themed Victoria Sponge cake, 32 future baking stars submitted their creations for judging at Hopelands Preparatory School.

Each pupil paid £1 to enter with the proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Nicky Massey, who owns and runs Mrs Massey’s Delicious Diner at Frampton, was the head judge for the day.

“I watched the Bake Off last night and I truly believe any one of these cakes could have been entered into the final,” she said.

The second judge was Claire Lord, who is a Hopelands teaching assistant, cookery club leader, organised the event and is also a cake decoration artist.

“I am absolutely overwhelmed by the high-standard of baking and the wonderfully innovative ways in which the cakes have all been decorated,” she said. “Cooking is a life-skill which should not be under-estimated, and I am extremely grateful to all the parents for their support.”

Mrs Sheila Bradburn, head teacher, was delighted at the children’s enthusiasm: “The determination of the pupils to do their best and take pride in their work, whatever it is, is what makes Hopelands special. I am so very proud of them all.” First prize went to Tabitha Robbins, second to Phoebe Smarty, third to Alice Stevenson and fourth to Rowen Allen.