Catering staff from Sanctuary Care homes across the country put their culinary skills to the test in a Christmas cake competition.

Staff from homes run by Sanctuary Care, a subsidiary of leading UK housing provider Sanctuary Group, prepared outstanding entries for the festive bake off.

The judging took place at Sanctuary Group’s head office in Castle Street, Worcester.

Each entry had be a home-made fruit cake, finished with marzipan and icing.

Steve Wood, managing director of Sanctuary Care judged the cakes on various criteria, including presentation, colour, design, innovation and originality.

Steve said: “We have excellent catering staff in our homes and this competition was an ideal opportunity for them to show off their skills.

“The entries were of an extremely high standard – they all looked fantastic and tasted delicious.”

The winning home, Chadwell House in Romford, Essex received £250, with £100 for second place, Beach Lawns in Weston-super-Mare and £50 for third, Ivydene in Devon.

Congratulations must also go to the residents of Shaftesbury Place in Cheltenham, who created a beautiful nativity themed entry for the competition.