It may not be the exact lyrics for the Christmas classic but the chefs at the Wimbish base held a cake making competition to raise money.

Warrant Officer (WOII) Mark Rose told the Reporter: “The whole idea behind the Christmas cake competition is to get the regiment into the Christmas spirit through camaraderie but also to develop their skills as chefs.

“We held classes dedicated to cake making so the younger recruits could learn from the senior soldiers.

“We taught them things they could reproduce so they could have the satisfaction and pride in what they had created.”

The soldiers baked 23 cakes in total – 12 were auctioned off at the barracks and the rest were sent out to various places in the community as a ‘thank you’ for the continued support.

“I’d like to thank the people of Henham in particular for their support of the injured soliders funds. They had a charity dinner and auction in July so we have sent them a cake to say thank you,” said WOII Rose.

“Also to the White Hart Pub in Chelmsford who have their own team supporting the fund.”

Corporal Brett Pickard’s effort – Santa in the kitchen, right – won the best overall cake for the regiment and the brigade.

He said: “I just wanted to try something a little bit different. I wanted the cake to bring in some elements of being a chef; 25 hours later I had my cake.”

Sgt Mark Pinch said: “It’s about the young guys and bringing them on as soldiers and chefs through a different field of catering. They get a buzz from making the cakes and their attention to detail helps them in order aspects of being a soldier.”