Vacherin chef wins gold at Cake International

Smith impressed the judges with his 'Fizz Wizz Fireworks' cake which was designed to resemble a family watching a firework display, with toffee apples and rockets shooting out from the sides. He said: "I am so chuffed to have won gold, particularly as this is the second cake competition I have ever taken part in. The judges said that my work is very precise and they couldn't find any faults in the cake which is extremely flattering. "I was advised that the most important part of these competitions is having a unique idea – once you have got that you are half way there. I wanted to base mine around fireworks because it ties in nicely with this time of year. After this I can't wait to take part in my next competition in January - I have a lot of ideas up my sleeve!" The category attracted 22 contestants who all had to make a novel cake from a simple base such as a square or a circle, using sugar craft. The entries were then judged by Alan Shipman and chairman of Judges, Brian Taylor. Cake International, which took place from 5-7 November, is the annual festival of cake decoration and sugarcraft, supported by the British Sugarcraft Guild. The show includes demonstrations from expert pastry chefs and cake decorators as well exhibition stalls, hands-on workshops and competition classes.