A schoolboy with a passion for baking was given encouragement by celebrity cook Mary Berry when he entered an international event.

Twelve-year-old George Molloy, from Guiseley School, was one of the youngest entrants in the international baking show in Manchester. He created a Simpsons family fruit cake with sugar paste characters.

A spokeswoman for the school said: “While he was there he met the famous baker, Mary Berry, who was really supportive and encouraged him with his baking.

“At one of the many workshops he practised moulding a marzipan duck and making shapes with sugar paste using various cutting tools.

“The standard in the competition was exceptionally high and George has put together a booklet with photographs which record his thoughts, preparation for the event, his experiences on the day and feedback and advice given from the judges. This will be kept in school so that other students can benefit should they decide to enter the competition next year.

“George feels thoroughly inspired by the whole experience and is already thinking of new ideas for his cake next year.”