Bakery student wins bread competition

Bakery student, Francesca Tomkins, 18, celebrating after winning a national competition to find the best Hovis loaf.

At an annual baking industry conference in Blackpool, bakery students and trainers from around the country showcased their skills and in the Hovis competition, out of three hundred loaves produced, Francesca's scooped top prize winning her £120 and a trophy.

Earlier this year Francesca also won first prize in the national Kenwood 60th Anniversary Cake Competition winning a cookery course and a top of the range food mixer.

Dawn Gemmell, Head of Bakery Studies, said:

"Francesca is an exceptionally talented student and one to watch for the future. Good bakery students are dedicated, creative and thorough and Francesca certainly has all those qualities. We are very proud of her achievements and wish her well in her future career."

Chris Foxall, Bakery Technologist at Rank Hovis and previous student of University College Birmingham said:

"Competitions like this help to demonstrate the evident talent and growing interest there is in the bakery industry as a career. Francesca rose to the challenge, produced an excellent loaf and deserved to win the prize."