BAKERY students have risen to the top of their game winning a national competition in bread making.

Nicola Brown and Christine Whattam, students at Darlington College of Technology, beat more than 500 competitors in the Hovis bread making contest.

Nicola, 25, of Barnard Castle, who is studying an NVQ Level 1 in bakery, had to make a 400g granary cob from scratch, using Hovis flour.

It was then sent away to judges, who assessed its shape, texture, colour and moulding techniques.

Christine, 19, of Darlington, who is on the same course, hand-made a 400g white tin Hovis loaf.

Darlington College tutor Donna Joyce said: "It's an amazing achievement.

"They have both done really well to win a national award at the first attempt."

Nicola said: "I was really surprised to win and feel very proud of myself."

Christine said: "I was shocked to win the first prize but feel really inspired to learn more about catering."