The Great Gillingham Bake Off, held on Sunday November 19 at the Vicarage School Rooms, was a huge success with 50 entries across 11 categories including sponges, fruit cakes, biscuits and scones. Two expert judges awarded the two Star Bakers, and the 70 members of the public voted for the winners in the individual categories.

The judges’ adult Star Baker was Sara McKenna  (left) who, inspired by the recently finished Great British Bake Off series on Channel Four, baked an amazing Vanilla Genoise with salted caramel, topped with a shiny chocolate glaze.

The Star Baker in the children’s category was Elodie Bilby, 9, (left) for her delicious mince pie cupcakes that had the judges asking for the recipe. ‘I was amazed at how many entries there were,’ said judge Heather Whitehead, aka Mrs Wonky of the Wonky Cake Company. ‘And the standard was really high.’

The idea for the community event came from Revd Eve Pegler and funds raised will go towards renovation of St Mary the Virgin Church.