The judging panel included Liam Dillon and Alison Ranwell.
A delicious display of baking talent and community spirit took place at Shire House in Lichfield in September, as people came together for a special Bake Off event to raise money for St Giles Hospice.
The event featured a tempting selection of homemade cakes and bakes, with two distinguished local food experts taking on the difficult task of judging the entries.
The judging panel included Liam Dillon, Michelin-starred chef-patron of The Boat, and Alison Ranwell, owner of MangiaMangia, who had the enviable task of tasting the cakes, but also the unenviable job of deciding which creation would take the top spot.
The winner was Lisa Poxton of Cornwood Finance, whose impressive chocolate, pistachio and raspberry cake proved a hit with the judges.
Lisa took home £90 worth of local prizes – including a £40 voucher for MangiaMangia and £50 to spend at CORE Sanctuary – plus, of course, the all-important bragging rights.
But the event was about much more than winning. It brought people together for an enjoyable occasion while raising valuable funds for St Giles Hospice, which provides specialist care and support to people living with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families and loved ones across the local community.
A huge thank you also goes to all the bakers who took part. Every cake was enjoyed by people across the building, and every penny raised will go towards St Giles Hospice.
The Shire House Bake Off proved that great cakes, a little friendly competition and community spirit can be combined to make a real difference.