MILITARY chefs displayed their culinary flair during the annual Catterick Garrison Christmas cake competition.

The competition was held in the main kitchen at Somme Barracks and was open to civilians as well as military chefs.

There was an array of impressive entries across four categories: Senior Decorated Cake, Junior Decorated Cake, Yule Log and tasted Stollen cake.

Lieutenant Colonel Tim Draper presented prizes to the winners and said: “The work that has gone into this spread of cakes is absolutely brilliant and I certainly would not have had a clue where to start.

"Congratulations to all the chefs for a remarkable effort."

The competition was organised by Staff Sergeant Mark Errington who was worried that with the deployment of 2 YORKS ,and many other units being busy, that the turnout would be low. But he said: “I have been really impressed with the number of entries.

"I thought with everybody being away it would not be as popular but it has been great and the standard has been very high.”

Before the competition started Sgt Rhys Pandelas began a non-stop 12-hour cycling marathon to raise money for Combat Stress.