THE Devon County Show, which takes place from Thursday, May 17 to Saturday, May 19 at the Westpoint showground in Exeter, is running a baking competition for the first time alongside its traditional classes for livestock, horses, cheese and cider, amongst others.

Bakers are invited to take their pick from seven baking and three preserves classes which include flapjack, a Victoria sandwich cake and a jar of chutney.

Ollie Allen, Show Secretary, said the Show was responding to public demand: “We have a steady stream of enquiries from people who want to bake and be part of the Show and we are delighted that this year we can make it happen.”

The competition will be held in the giant Food and Drink Pavilion and entries are limited to just 10 per class but, if the classes prove popular, will be expanded at future shows.

“We are particularly looking forward to the scones class,” added Ollie. “A classic scone served the proper way with jam on top is Devon’s most famous delicacy!

“Bakers are invited to use their own recipe so we could see them made with buttermilk or even lemonade like Stacey Solomon did on ‘The Great Celebrity Bake Off’ for ‘Stand Up for Cancer’.”

The Show last hosted a baking competition in 2011 as part of a Kirstie Allsopp television series.

For more information and entry forms visit: www.devoncountyshow.co.uk . Entries close on April 20.