Cup cakes, flap jacks and mince pies were the theme for a Bake-Off competition with a difference at the weekend. Budding bakers of all ages from the parish of Easby, Skeeby, Brompton on Swale and Bolton on Swale took part in the third annual Bake Off which was held at Saint Francis Xavier School (SFX) in Richmond.
The school’s food technology room was the setting for the Bake-Off challenge – and the winning confectionaries weren’t eaten by the competitors but instead have gone to St Georges Crypt in Leeds which works for homeless and destitute individuals and families in the Leeds area.
Vicar, Revd Yvonne Callaghan (pictured left) takes up the story... “We gathered at 9.30 on Saturday and baked until 1.pm when we had 
made cup cakes, flap jack, mince pies, macaroons, along with gluten and dairy free versions of the same. All the yummy bakes were made so that they can be donated to the Food Bank at St George's Crypt and also the clients who use the Crypt itself.”
The youngest baker was aged 4 and the oldest into her three score years and ten.
Organiser, Rachel Trewhitt, said, “What happens at Bake-Off is phenomenal. We gather as Church of all ages sharing who we are with others in our local area and beyond.
“I am humbled that our parish chose to be involved in such a worthwhile and dynamic charity as St Georges Crypt, who are going great work in community. When we work together as Church, the Body of Christ, there are no boundaries, we come from north, south east and west loving others as we are loved. That is the Eucharist, Church. “
The Bake-Off confectionary was presented to Chris Fields, CEO of St Georges Crypt at the church’s annual Blessing and Dressing of the Tree service held at St Agatha’s Church, Easby.