TWO businesswomen have launched their own unique cake festival to raise funds for hospital charities.

Anna Lupton and Christine Bentley from Ampleforth and Helmsley respectively, decided to organise the World Knitted Cake Festival to tie in with the area laying claim to be Britain’s Capital of Cake.

The pair first met 45 years ago and while Christine and her mother Maud, who is 87, were keen knitters.

“We just came up with this idea and thought it would be something different to tie in with the cake theme as well as raising funds,” said Christine.

“People can knit a cake of any theme they would like – or buns if they are from Yorkshire.

“I haven’t knitted for years but will definitely think of taking it up again.”

Funds raised will be donated to the League of Friends of Malton Hospital and Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, an official partner of the Tour de Yorkshire.

Anna said: “Sheffield is one of only four children’s hospitals in the UK and is currently fundraising to be the country’s first with a specialised fully digital intraoperative 3T MRI scanner which is only available in three countries worldwide.

“We also wanted to support the League of Friends as they do a marvellous job supporting the efficient running of Malton Hospital by providing vital equipment.”

Go to carrhousefarm.co.uk/the-world-knitted-cake-festival for details.