YOUNG cooks rose to the challenge in a test of their culinary skills organised by their local neighbourhood police team.

They were joined by staff and students from city schools, plus members of the public, in ‘The Great Durham Bake-Off’, staged at Durham Sixth Form Centre.

The novice chefs and bakers showed their prowess in the kitchen devising a range of culinary creations, from muffins, Victoria sponges, cupcakes and ciabbatas, which all went on show in the refectory at the centre, on Freeman’s Place.

Following much deliberation the judges plumped for the offering of one of the younger competitors, twelve-year-old William Vincent, from St Leonard’s RC School, Durham.

His traditional favourite, a chocolate and orange cake, was given added zest by his finishing touch of adding fresh orange segments.

The potential master baker was rewarded with the top prize, the ‘Mystery Bake-Off Hamper’, presented by the Durham Safe City project’s bear mascot.

Community support officer (PCSO) Leesa Bennison, of the Durham City Neighbourhood Policing team, said it proved a “huge success” thanks to all those who participated.

The bake-off was devised as part of the team’s continuing ‘Safe City’ initiative, launched in 2011 with the aim of making Durham the safest city in the UK.

It was supported by Durham Business Improvement District (BID) and Age UK County Durham.

“Part of the aim was to get residents to meet young people, bringing young and old together in a relaxed environment, in turn helping to break down barriers and stereotypes,” said PCSO Bennison, who was joined by Neighbourhood Inspector David Coxon.

Events were rounded off by the centre’s assistant head teacher, Steven Robinson, who gave the closing speech, along with Gail Rayner, part of its careers team.