PUPILS at Bradon Forest School put their culinary skills to the test on Friday as they took part in the Braden Bake Off Challenge 2016.

Cakes of all shapes and sizes, colours and flavours, were put to a panel of expert judges and the contestants held their breath as the winners were announced.

First place went to Year 10 pupil Elise McGill, who wowed judges with a perfectly baked chocolate and orange tart.

In second place was Year 7 student Keira King, whose strawberry and white chocolate cake was described by judges as “beautiful” and “ready to serve in a restaurant”.

Third place went to Year 9 pupil Meghan Lacey for her spectacular chocolate and M&Ms cake.

Needless to say the judges, Alix Young and Lewis Reason, who work at the Pear Tree at Purton and, incidentally, both attended Bradon Forest as kids, were very impressed.

“There has been a wonderful selection of cakes on offer today,” said Alix. “The top two we wouldn’t hesitate to put on the menu at the Pear Tree.

“It is amazing to see such fabulous creations. It’s incredible to think what they might achieve one day if they are cooking at this level now.”

Eighteen students had been selected out of more than 50 submissions and they were judged on their signature bake recipes they submitted and how they pitched their entries.

The technical challenge began at 9am and students had 1 hour and 30 mins to make, bake and present their technical challenge to the panel of judges.

The final signature bake began at 11.30am and students were given 3 hours and 25 mins to mould their creations.

Keira King, 11, said: “I loved everything about today, it was really fun. It didn’t take as much effort as it did at home and I’m pleased with how it turned out.”

Meghan Lacey, 13, said: “The bake off was brilliant. Everybody’s cakes looked really nice. It wasn’t too difficult, and I really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to doing again.”

Deputy head Julie Dickinson was full of praise, saying: “All the students have done a wonderful job, we are very proud of them.

“We did it last year and it was a huge success, so we were very keen to keep it going.”

Winner Elise said: “I had a great time today, it was good to see what everyone had come up with. I’m going to go home and eat it now.”