Army Chefs Wow In Festive Bake Off

Winning was just the icing on the cake as chefs from 16 Air Assault Brigade and their Sodexo colleagues showed off their cake decorating skills in their annual competition.

Some 18 iced cakes were scrutinised by the judging panel, headed up by Brigadier Nick Perry, Commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade.

The cakes were made in the chefs' precious spare time and came in a bewildering variety, ranging from traditionally frosted confections to the bizarre and colourful end of the spectrum.

The judges compared their scores and it turned out to be a close result.

But there could only be one winner of the coveted first prize of a voucher and champagne.

LCpl Rebecca Blackwood of 8 Parachute Field Company clinched the top place for her fabulous frosty white and blue cake.

Sadly, like a true star, she wasn't able to collect her prize in person, but here is the winning cake.

The cakes will be bringing Christmas cheer to those "outside the wire" this Christmas, after being distributed to homeless shelters, the Children's Ward at Colchester General Hospital, and elderly people's care homes.