A BAKE-OFF by council officers was one of a number of fundraising initiatives that has raised hundreds for local charities over the festive period.

A total of 25 officers at Hambleton District Council donned their pinnies to create show-stopping fairy cakes and mince pies.

The event raised £180 for the oncology ward at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, in memory of one of the local authority’s retired officers, Dave McGloin, who died earlier this year.

Council chief executive Phil Morton and deputy chief executive Justin Ives took on the role of Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry in scrutinising the competitive baking, along with with Margaret and Hannah McGloin.

It was one of a number of festive fundraising initiatives staged by the council in the run-up to Christmas, which collectively raised more than £600.

Council staff and councillors also collected donations of food under the Civic Centre Christmas tree in Northallerton to donate to Hambleton Foodshare, which issues parcels to people in temporary financial need.

While Hambleton District Council’s choir – Hambleton in Harmony – also helped raise £340 for the project by being one of three choirs to sing at Sainsburys in Northallerton.

A further £110 was raised at the council’s 'wear jeans to work day' to raise funds for the Friends of Chernobyl’s Children Northallerton charity.

District council chief executive Phil Morton said: “I am delighted that my colleagues in the council have shown their Christmas spirit by raising money for a number of good causes in a variety of ways.”