Perfectly presented Victorious sponges were dished up as the qualifying rounds of the Saffron Walden ‘Carnival Cake-Off’ were held on Saturday.

Bakers from all age groups – under-10; 11-18 years; and 18-plus – arrived at Just Cook Cookery School with their cakes to be judged.

The judges were Maxine Quinn from Just Cook, Simon Hatcher from Cole’s Puddings, Saffron Walden, Tracey Ellington from The Purple Sloth Cake Company, Wendens Ambo, and carnival chairman Jason Thomson.

Maxine said: “We have been overwhelmed by the quality and standard of cakes produced in all age groups and can’t wait to see what the competitors produce for the Grand Finale.

“The most interesting part was the big reveal when we found out who made the each cake at the end of the session. It has been a tough cake-eating day for my fellow judges and I, but fantastic that so many people have participated and local companies have supported us in organising, judging and sponsoring this event.”

Three finalists were chosen from each group and they who now have three weeks to prepare and invent their very own ‘Carnival Celebration Cake’ for the Grand Finale, to be judged on the common on July 12 as part of Community Day.

All profits from the cake-off will be donated to the Round Table’s chosen charities.