Pupils, parents and staff took part in their school’s very own baking challenge.

The Rotakids at Tolleshunt D’Arcy St Nicholas Primary School hosted a successful fundraising event raising money for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The Great D’Arcy Bake Off competition event raised £138.25.

The three categories for both adults and children included cupcakes or biscuits decorated with an Easter theme, a technical challenge such as a hot cross bun recipe provided by school governor and cookery volunteer Jenny Brown Lee, and the ‘show-stopper.

School spokesman Carly Clarke said: “The Rotakids were overwhelmed by the number and quality of entries into the competition.

“Their role, along with catering manager Maxine Longhurst from Edwards and Blake, was to taste and judge all the entries.

“They awarded marks for taste, texture and presentation to give an overall score.

“All competitors were awarded a certificate to celebrate the tremendous efforts.

“The winners were also awarded a prize of baking equipment and chocolate, kindly donated by Tesco in Maldon.”

She added: “The children voted to support the RSPCA on this occasion.

“We are now looking forward to the final charity event in the second half of the summer term.”