TWELVE-year-old Alice Locker has won Ilkley Literature Festival’s cake decorating competition after wowing judges from Bettys and Nigel Walsh, chairman of the Festival Board, with the airbrushing and stencilling skill on her cake - Steam Punk Tin Man’s Heart from The Wizard of Oz cake.

Tizzy Burrows came in second place with a colourful The Very Hungry Caterpillar cake featuring beautifully iced butterfly wings and third place went to Francesca Beevers, whose hand piped lettering on her Black Beauty cake was praised for its neatness. A cake inspired by The Secret Garden featuring an apple tree and swing made by Tara Riley-Smith was awarded fourth place.

Festival Director Rachel Feldberg said: “We were amazed by the skill and talent on show with the cakes entered into the competition. The judges had a really difficult time making their decision and everyone who entered should feel very proud of themselves.”

Elizabeth Robinson and Emma Thorp, cake decorators from Bettys, were on the judging panel. Elizabeth said: “There was great creativity on display here tonight. Really stand out efforts from all entrants.” Emma added: “There was some real skill on show this evening. Lots of complex techniques used. Very impressive work all round.”

The cake decorating competition was run to celebrating baking super star Nadiya Hussain coming to Ilkley ahead of the start of the Festival on Friday, September 28. Tickets for Festival events are on sale now.