The championships include categories for bread, confectionery, celebration cakes, child's novelty cakes, multi-grain cobs & rolls and a special prize for ‘Best Loaf in Show’. The competition also includes a Special Display Section with prizes for best ‘Harvest Festival Loaf’, ‘Novelty Item with a Carnival Theme’ and ‘Handmade Chocolates’.

With the support of South West Food & Drink (SWFD), the trade organisation dedicated to the development of the food and drink industry in the South West, the championships will also feature a ‘West Country Speciality Championship’ including awards for lardy cake, apple cake and Cornish pasties.

Championship organiser Ian Hawkins said: “The support from bakery industry suppliers has been fantastic and there’s prize money for every single class this year. Prizes for the trainee winners are particularly generous. We have received sponsorship for the trainee classes from the NA Education Fund and the Campden & Chorleywood Research Association have donated a one day training course to the trainee obtaining the highest number of points in these classes. The winning trainee will be very busy as Reeves the Baker have also donated a three day visit to their bakery.

The championship is open to all professional bakers. There are also special prizes awarded to trainee bakers (those who have completed their training in the past 12 months or are at present studying for an approved national qualification).

Aspiring entrants should visit www.bakery.co.uk/championship for further information and an entry form.