Four top young bakers were whisked to East Kent College for the chance to become Buster’s Bake Off Champion 2019.

The college, in Broadstairs, hosted the grand final of the contest which challenged schoolchildren across the south east to bake a sweet or savoury taste sensation.

And Jane Beedle, a finalist on series seven of the BBC’s Great British Bake Off, was on the panel of judges.

Schools hosted baking heats over the summer term and the winners were submitted to Buster’s Bake Off. Of these just four chefs were selected to compete at the live cook-off.

The quartet used professional catering facilities to create their signature bakes and the winner was Amelie Coy, 14, from Invicta Grammar in Maidstone with her Strawberry S’Mores Cake.

TV chef Jane presented Amelie with her trophy while Adam Coleby, a catering lecturer at the college, awarded the champion’s certificate.

Jane said: “I’ve had an absolutely amazing day. The bakes have been fantastic. If I could have cooked like that when I was their age, I would have been very, very proud.”

Also on the judging panel were Jason Main from Principals by CH&CO, Blessing Enakimio from Blessing by Ble, and neuroleadership expert and speaker Maureen Chiana.

Pipped to the post were Mia Keane, 14, from Stoke Newington School, Hackney with her Summer Fruits Pavlova, and 12 year-olds Ellen Davis and True Rainbow from Herne Bay High, who made Fruit Pie and Lemon Meringue Pie respectively.

Contestants were given 90 minutes to create their showstoppers which were judged on taste, presentation, technical difficulty, creativity, and use of locally-sourced ingredients.

The event was organised by educational charity the KM Charity Team as part of its healthy lifestyles work with schools.

The charity also runs Young Cooks for six to 19 year-olds and the contest offers a bundle of cookery goodies and cash prizes. It is open to entry until Wednesday, November 6 at www.YoungCooks.org.uk