SPECTACULAR SIGHT - COLOURFUL CUPCAKES BY THE HUNDREDS

Colourful cupcakes topped with spectacular decorations made by youngsters from Victorian secondary schools were showcased and judged at the annual schools Cupcake Cook-Off Championship held at William Angliss Institute. 

Last year's winner Claire Alridge, from Kyneton Secondary College, competed against 300 entries - more than twice as many as last year. This year's winner of the 'Best Cup Cake' was entry number 237 - Rhys Thomas from Hunting Tower School and winner of the 'Best Class Effort', for the school with the highest aggregate score went to Northcote High School. Jade Waite, from St Margaret's School was awarded a special category announced on the day for 'Most Creative' entry, by judges Helen Razer and Matt Preston. Neither Rhys, nor Jade were there to collect their prizes - however their fellow students celebrated in their absence.   

The Cupcakes Cook-Off Championship is held to attract young culinary talent into foods and hospitality programs at William Angliss Institute - the government appointed Specialist Centre for Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts, to meet industry demands for additional skilled labour.

Judges included, Melbourne Food and Wine Festival creative arm, Matt Preston and Radio 774 presenter, Helen Razer - along with officials from the baking industry headed up by William Angliss' 'master' of cupcake making, Greg Williams, who provided entrants with free tips at cupcake presentations leading up to the event.

Cupcake entrants were spurred on by fabulous prizes, including a culinary career starter pack valued at $450, with choice of short course cooking utensils, recipe books and movie vouchers. Trophies were awarded to both individual entrant and best overall class effort.