A YOUNG baker took home three prizes during this year’s Great Northwich Bake Off.

Lucy Henshall, eight, was a triple winner in the contest, which was held at St Helen’s Church on Sunday.

Now in its third year, the Great Northwich Bake Off aims to get people of all ages in Northwich together to celebrate the pleasures of home baking.

Lucy’s triple win comes just days after a visit to her school – Wincham Community Primary School – from Roberts Bakery.

Paul Graves from the bakery visited the school to show the Year 4 pupils how to make the perfect loaf.

Lucy’s baking lesson clearly paid off as she walked away with first place in the 7-11 category for ‘Technical Challenge’, ’Showstopper’ and ‘Savoury Bake’ in the Bake Off.

Her winning savoury bake was a tasty braided loaf of bread, topped with poppy seeds.

Paul along with Cllr Janet Myerscough-Illidge, mayor of Northwich, were the judges on the day. Paul has judged at the annual contest since it began three years ago.

Paul said: “I’m in my 34th year at Roberts Bakery so I guess I know a thing or two about bread.

“Lucy created three amazing entries for the Bake Off but her loaf of bread was the winner for me.

“It looked and tasted amazing. It was really rewarding to have shown Lucy how to make a loaf at school and then to see her win in this contest just a few days later.

“Well done Lucy, and all the entrants, for creating some incredible bakes.”

Natalie Wilson and Katie Oakley, both 11, were among the other winners in the contest.

Natalie took home first place in the ‘Signature Bake’ and Katie was winner of the ‘Showstopper’ in the 11-16 age group.

Cllr Myerscough-Illidge said: “The quality was excellent, right through from the four-year-olds to the adults. It was wonderful. The various designs and tastes were great. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

“I’d like to thank everyone who took part.”

Louise Begent helped to organise the Great Northwich Bake Off.

She said: “This was another fantastic bake-off event, with local people turning out with an amazing selection of home-baked goods.

“It’s fantastic to get people back in to baking and to bring the community of Northwich together at a lovely event like this.”