Worksop goes ‘absolutely wild’ for lockdown bake-off challenge

Dawn Parsons’ Lockdown Bake Off Challenge has had over 400 entries over the course of a week - including everything from cornflake tarts to chocolate orange Easter buns.

Grandmother-of-three Dawn told how the group - which grew from a personal page of her own - had gone ‘absolutely wild’.

She started baking with her family as a distraction from the anxiety around Covid-19 - launching a public Facebook group when interest snowballed.

Entrants take part by taking a photo of their baking brilliance and posting it to the Facebook group.

Dawn, a catering manager at Retford’s Carr Hill Primary School, said: “It’s been so positive - absolutely amazing.

“All I wanted was to take us away from life as it is at the moment - something to try with your kids or partner.

“The kids have absolutely loved it - we’ve had some fantastic Easter cakes.

“We’ve had everything from shortbreads to savoury dishes - it’s just been absolutely manic.”

Busy Dawn has been out and about delivering Easter egg prizes - made up of a generous donation of 282 from Morrison’s supermarket - to all children who have taken part so far.

Remaining eggs will be awarded to children in homes with rainbow art on display in windows.

She set a Saturday deadline for the Easter competition - with categories including Most Colourful And Creative for kids and Most Technical for adults.

While there was a separate overall winner for both adults and children.

Prizes include an Easter basket with teddy bear chicks and chocolate, a £50 photo shoot voucher and more.

Dawn will be setting a fresh challenge every week - with a deadline of Saturday at 6pm.

This week’s theme is baking bread - while being creative by, for example, moulding it into a shape. Entries should include recipes so others can give them a try.

Those wanting to enter should join the Facebook group by clicking HERE and posting a photo of their submission.

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