STAFF at the Virtual Ward in Burnley’s St Peter’s Centre have risen to the occasion – hosting their very own Great British Bake Off-inspired competition.

Nurses, doctors and admin staff picked up their wooden spoons and got creative, cooking up an impressive array of sugary treats to raise money for Dementia UK on national Older People’s Day.

Showcasing skills that would give contestants of BBC’s Great British Bake Off a run for their money, the event attracted plenty of attention from NHS staff and the public.

The delicacies were judged by Kath Haworth, from Northcote Manor and wife of top chef Nigel, as well as new ELHT Chief Executive Kevin McGee. After the lengthy cake tasting, the two judges awarded first prize for taste to Dr Chris Clark and her Red Velvet Cake, closely followed by Virtual Ward staff nurse Debra Riley.

First prize for appearance went to trainee advanced nurse practitioner Sam Clawson, who had made a spooktacular Hallowe'en themed cake and second prize went to centre manager Jo Walmsley.

Bake Off organiser and senior nurse Michaela Toms said: "We thought, why not do it on Older People’s Day and raise a bit of money for Dementia UK.

“We asked our patients to make a donation in exchange for a piece of cake or a biscuit and we’ve raised £150.”