GREAT British Bake Off star Sandy Docherty judged Guiseley's creative talent in a competition inspired by the hit BBC show.

Sandy, from Yeadon, is passionate about encouraging young people to make their own cakes and she was delighted to play a central part in the Great Guiseley Bake Off.

The event was organised by St Oswald's Church as part of its spring fair - with a challenge to bake a royal birthday cake.

Sandy, who became a familiar face after competing in the TV show, was particularly happy to help at the event at St Oswald's Primary School as there was a class for under 16's.

Presenting the prizes to the winning bakers she said: "I’m a firm believer that children and young people should be encouraged to bake, and every single person who entered a cake was a winner."

Sandy, who works at Titus Salt Primary, has become an ambassador for baking since appearing on national television.

She stressed: "I really think baking is brilliant for everyone and can break down barriers. It’s creative, it’s a learning process and it’s fun, even if things go wrong."

The organisers of the Spring Fair wanted to add something a bit different this year, but still keep the event’s traditional feel. Church volunteers sold home-made bunting and plants, and served afternoon teas. A bouncy castle, pick 'n' mix stall and face-painting were organised for children and families, with all proceeds going to St Oswald’s Church. There was a strong community feel too with contributions from The Big Lunch Project and Compassion UK Christian child sponsorship charity.

The Great Guiseley Bake Off combined the current craze for home-baking with an element of competition. Organisers said contestants produced some show-stoppers, with cakes in all shapes and sizes, ranging from crowns to corgis.

The joint winners of the under-16’s bake were sisters Poppy and Lily Smith from Guiseley, both pupils at St Oswald’s Primary School, with their two chocolate corgis.

The winner of the adult class was Louise Rix, a legal secretary in Leeds, who was persuaded to enter the competition by her son Sam because she had baked so many cakes for him.

She said: "It’s the first time I’ve ever entered a baking competition, and I’ve only ever baked for my friends and family up to today." Despite her success she has no plans to give up her day job and build a career in baking.

"What I want to do at the moment is just put my feet up and eat cake," she said.

All photographs are by Darren Sanderson.