A CHARITY bake-off is expected to rise to the occasion and attract the great and good of the business world to test their baking skills.

Organised by Jacksons Law Firm, contestants will face off at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, and cook for special guest judging panel including restaurateur Eugene McCoy, Olympian athlete Chris Tomlinson from Middlesbrough, Wendy Dean, caterer to the music industry, and Teesside born comedian, Patrick Monahan.

The Olympic long jumper said, “It’s so important for all of us to take a bit of time out of our busy lives to help support fantastic charities like Butterwick Hospice. I’m really looking forward to being part of the judging panel at the event in June. It sounds like a great way of raising awareness and also much needed funds for the hospice.”

Last year almost 400 people attended from businesses around the North East including winners of the showstopper cake competition, Yorkshire Bank, and over £10,000 was raised for the charity.

Graham Leggatt-Chidgey, Chief Executive of Butterwick Hospice said: “With baking being so popular these days, the bake off attracted a lot of attention last year and we’re hoping the event will be as successful, if not more, than last year’s."

And Jane Armitage, managing partner at Jacksons said: “We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to host the bake off event again. It is incredible how generous businesses in our region are when it comes to supporting charities like Butterwick from donating raffle prizes to entering the competition and buying tickets for the event."

The event takes place on June 15 at Hardwick Hall Hotel. For further details call 01642-356509 or email krobinson@jacksons-law.com