As Bake Off fever sweeps the nation, a competition has been launched which will see 10 talented children battle it out in a live cake decorating event.

The Mall in Walthamstow is urging youngsters aged between nine and 13 to post photos of their creations on its Facebook page before Wednesday, October 17.

The top 10 will be chosen to compete in a live final on Wednesday, October 24, judged by Walthamstow-based sugar artist Sylvia Elba.

Sylvia and her team found fame in 2016 when they created a fully-edible wedding cake out of fondant icing, and were featured on ITV’s Lorraine Show.

The overall winner will be invited to Cake International 2019, which will take in London in April.

It is the world’s biggest cake competition and attracts close to 2,000 competitors from as far afield as China and Australia.

“I’m very passionate about encouraging children to be creative and decorating cakes is a fantastic way to do this,” said Sylvia.

“The children taking part in The Mall’s competition are just the right age to find out what really makes them tick and I would love to think that for some of them this could kick start a wonderful culinary career and shape their future.

“I am delighted to be involved with The Mall and hope that we can make this an annual event.

“When judging the designs I will be looking for those children that are really thinking outside the box, using unusual colours and ideas that I have never seen before.”

To post a photo of a cake design, visit www.facebook.com/themall.walthamstow/