AN amateur baker from Catshill has been named 'Broad Street DIY's Star Baker' in a Bake Off-style competition.

A panel of three judges tested 21 bakers' creations on Wednesday, April 18, which included a multi-coloured 'ombré' cake, Nanny Jean's fruit cake, Ferrero Rocher cake and raspberry bakewell cake.

Lorita Cornish, from Decanter Spirit, John Harper, from Grafton Manor, and Kelly Broadfield, from Dodford Children's Holiday Farm, scored the entries on their look, taste and texture.

Jo Chatwin, from Catshill, won first place with her coffee and walnut cake, and took home Broad Street DIY's 'Star Baker' apron, and an afternoon tea for two, donated by Grafton Manor.

Commenting on her victory, Jo said: "Baking is my passion. I learned to bake from my nan and cooking always cheers me up.

"I love being in the kitchen although I hate cleaning up afterwards.

"My coffee and walnut cake has always been popular with friends and family.

"It’s a special recipe passed down to me from my nan. People ask me for the recipe but it’s a closely guarded secret.”

In second place, and just one point behind, was Jo Hill's chocolate DIY cake. She was awarded a £10 voucher to spend in the Worcester Road store.

Lisa Childs, a director at Broad Street DIY, was awarded third place with her lemon and elderflower drizzle.

After judging, the cakes were cut into slices and sold to customers, raising £150 to be donated to Dodford Children's Holiday Farm - Broad Street DIY's chosen charity for 2018.

Judge John Harper said: "Choosing a winner was a very tough decision.

"There was an incredible amount of effort and baking skill on show and a fantastic variety of cakes, which made the task even more difficult.

"It was a pleasure to be a part of such a great event run by a local business in support of a local charity.”