Would-be bakers of all ages were challenged to produce their best bakes for a competition in St Ives on Saturday (Nov 1).

The Hunts Post: All Saints Church, St Ives, held its annual Bake Off, Charlie Stewart, aged 6, with his 3rd prize cakeAll Saints Church, St Ives, held its annual Bake Off, Charlie Stewart, aged 6, with his 3rd prize cake (Image: Archant)

The bake-off competition, which this year included a junior category for under-14s, was just one of the attractions at an autumn fair at the St Ives Corn Exchange in aid All Saints Church.

The Reverend Mark Amey told The Hunts Post that about £3,000 had been raised, which will go towards its foodbank and restoration work on the church, which is Grade 1 listed and in need of major repair.

“There was a great atmosphere about the place and it is a significant amount of money for the church. The standard of baking was very high with some lovely home baking.”

Rev Amey said the fundraising total was 10 per cent up on last year’s event and also pointed out that although the church was in debt, the figure at the end of this year will be £9,000 compared to £20,000 last year.

The Hunts Post: All Saints Church, St Ives, held its annual Bake Off, Elaine Midgley, with her 3rd prize cakeAll Saints Church, St Ives, held its annual Bake Off, Elaine Midgley, with her 3rd prize cake (Image: Archant)

“It was a good result and work on the church tower will start in the middle of this month.”

Prizes for the event were provide by John Lewis, Townrow and Hephers and the programme for the fair included craft and gift stalls, cakes and sweets, tombola and games.