Sheffield-based Great British Bake Off star Howard Middleton dazzled Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice with his culinary expertise when he dropped in for the charity’s mouth-watering take on the hit show.

The former council worker, who wowed judges in 2013 with his baking prowess, joined Bluebell Wood’s Youth Group to search for star bakers – and there wasn’t a soggy bottom in sight. 

Howard, 58, who is now a food writer and broadcaster as well as touring the UK doing baking demonstrations, said: "I was delighted to be part of the Bluebell Wood Bake Off and it was great to meet the Youth Group who really got into the spirit of the event.”

“There was such a fantastic atmosphere - the heady aroma of cakes in the ovens and the excited buzz of competitive baking. 

“There were some fantastic creations and it was hard to choose a winner - all in all an amazing afternoon of brilliant bakes!"

The afternoon saw Bluebell Wood’s Youth Group, which is made up of young people aged between 14 - 25, take over the hospice’s kitchens to create their Halloween-themed signature bakes.

Split into four teams, the group showcased their creations in the Bluebell Wood’s Bake Off tent, complete with Bake Off’s trademark gingham tablecloths.

After much deliberation between the judges, two of whom looked suspiciously like Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, Kaisha Palmer and Jess Harman emerged victorious with their take on a classic lemon sponge.

Jo Bowman, Transition Coordinator at Bluebell Wood, said: “This event was the perfect way to get the children and young adults working together in a fun environment.

“Having GBBO’s Howard kindly join us for the afternoon and share his considerable expertise really was the icing on the cake so a huge thank you to him for coming along.

“We all had such a good time and it’s safe to say we were all very tired by the end of it. I don’t think I’ll be auditioning for the real thing any time soon!”

Bluebell Wood offers a range of bespoke family support services including counselling, well-being groups, music therapy, sibling workshops, activities and family-fun days.