A TEAM of Weymouth bakers were rewarded for their culinary efforts when they won an award in a national Christmas baking contest.

Resident Joan Dawe, 89, and the chef’s team from Highclere House on Cross Road, competed against nine other Gracewell Healthcare homes at the national finals in Church Crookham, Hampshire.

The song the Twelve Days of Christmas was the inspiration for the competition, with each cake being based on a verse from the popular festive tune.

The team were awarded with Highly Commended for their ‘five gold rings’ themed chocolate Christmas cake.

Mrs Dawe said: “We chose the five gold rings because of Weymouth's part in the London 2012 Olympic Games.

“The recipe came from my own recipe book that I’ve had for 60 years. I’ve made every recipe in it so I knew exactly which one I wanted to use – a very delicious chocolate cake.”

Artisan baker Simon Jarman, from The Loaf in Fleet, was on hand to cast his expert eye over the cakes and give advice on how to achieve the perfect Christmas bake.

Simon said: “The standard has been excellent and there have been some delicious cakes on show today with inspiring decorations.

“Baking is great fun, young or old, and it is an excellent way to bring people together. Well done to everyone who took part.”

Senior director of operations for the care home group, Phillip Smith, was also part of the judging team and said he was impressed by the high level of baking on show.