Local bakers braved the bad weather to have their creations judged by celebrity chef and Godalming-raised, Paul Merrett, as Compassion hosted the inaugural 'Great Godalming Bake-Off' last Friday (19th October).

The event was part of Compassion's annual 'Bake with Compassion' fundraiser, which sees supporters up and down the country holding bake sales, dinner parties and bake-offs using higher welfare ingredients such as organic dairy products and free-range eggs, in aid of Compassion's work to end the cruel practices of factory farming. This year 'Bake with Compassion' is running throughout October.

Staff from the head office manned the stalls as local businesses and groups brought along their creations to be judged and then sold off with donations made for each slice of cake.

Entrants included gingerbread houses, Halloween cupcakes, chocolate brownies and flapjacks.

The winner was a coconut and lime cake with runners up including a marbled chocolate cake and a chocolate Malteser cake.

Emma Slawinski, Compassion in World Farming's senior campaigns manager, said:

"'Bake with Compassion' is a great opportunity for supporters to help raise money for Compassion whilst also raising awareness of the benefits of using higher welfare ingredients.

"The bake off was a chance for Compassion to engage with the community in our 'home town' and we hope that the Great Godalming Bake Off will become an annual event that will grow each year.

"We'd like to thank Paul Merrett for taking time away from his restaurant to 'come home' and judge the competition."

Get involved:

It's not too late to take part and get baking.

The Great Godalming Bake Off