Boy wins Junior Bake Off contest

A BOY from Emmer Green was crowned the winner of Junior Bake Off.

Austin Edwards was awarded Britain’s best young baker on the Channel 4 show which aired on Friday last week.

In the final episode, he won over the judges Ravneet Gill and Liam Charles to win the contest ahead of Lola, Ronnie and Deji.

Austin said winning was like a dream come true. He said: “I was just having fun in the tent and baking was like a dream come true anyway. My fellow finalists were great. I just wanted everyone to do well and I didn’t mind who was going to win. But I must admit I did like the outcome.

“I almost wish I could make a time machine and go back in time to film my reaction when they announced that I had won and relive it. I was shocked and a little overwhelmed at the time. I will keep the trophy on the breakfast bar so everyone who comes into the kitchen can see it.”

The competition began with 16 bakers who completed various baking challenges to take them through to the next heat. Tasks, set by the judges across two weeks of heats, included creating cat cupcakes, skull and crossbones scones and a biscuit jigsaw.

In the final, the children created a sausage roll wreath for their final technical challenge and “my best-ever birthday party” cake for their final showstopper.

Austin’s showstopper was a musical cake, starring himself, which was made of chocolate sponge filled with orange buttercream with a mini Victoria sponge on top.

He said: “I was just so amazed when Rav gave my showstopper a 10 out of 10 and Liam said it was top tier, which was so good.”

Austin began baking when he was at Checkendon Pre-School. He said: “I was around six when I learnt how to make a Victoria sponge using my Great Nan’s recipe. That was when I really wanted to bake more. I would say my signature bake is a Victoria sponge, it’s a classic but the best.”