BUDDING bakers descended on Cooks the School of Food at Carlton Towers to whip up some sweet treats as part of Marie Curie’s Blooming Great Bake Off.

The event was staged to mark the launch of the Charity’s Blooming Great Tea Party – the annual fundraiser that invites people to get together with family and friends over tea and cake during June.

On arrival, the contestants were served tea and coffee before they demonstrated their cake baking skills in the restored original kitchens at the private stately home of Carlton Towers. They had 90 minutes to make and decorate their favourite sweet treat and were overseen in the kitchen First prize went to Pam Alford.

Elaine Lemm, development director at Cooks, said: “We were delighted to be able to support such a worthy charity by helping Marie Curie to launch the Blooming Great Tea Party. The standard of baking and creativity was second to none and everyone produced great cakes while under pressure in the kitchen. Despite the competitive spirit, there was much fun, laughter and enjoyment throughout the afternoon. It was incredibly difficult to judge the cakes as they were all completely individual and amazing.”

If you would like to host your Blooming Great Tea Party, then please contact Natalie Atherley on 01904 755260 or email her at natalie.atherley@mariecurie.org.uk