SIX pupils from three Altrincham schools have beaten tough competition to reach the grand final of ‘The Great Altrincham Bake Off’ 2016.

The students go head to head today, after each school’s own series of internal heats.

Year 7 students Jemima Worth and Nabeel Khan from North Cestrian School, Year 8 student Tom Vernon from Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, and Year 9 students Mark Graham from Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Sneha Rammohan and Aaishah Ali from Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, will be required to bake a two tier celebration cake of their choice to present to a five-strong panel of judges.

Hosted by North Cestrian, the competition requires finalists to bake, ice and decorate their cakes within three hours, to then be marked out of ten on taste, texture and presentation.

Lee Bergin, headmaster at North Cestrian said: ‘‘All students that have taken part in the competition have really taken it seriously and created some fantastic bakes.

‘‘We are thrilled to have sparked so much baking creativity across all three schools and I sincerely hope that the competition has inspired every participant to hone and develop their talents further.

‘‘May the best cake win!’’ Deciding which bake wins will be; Monty Harrison-Stirling, CBBC Junior Bake Off semi-finalist 2013, Mandy Foley-Smith and Alanah Smith, owners of Sugar Couture, Shirley Ryder, former President and Chairman of the Craft Bakers Association and Elaine Hamey, owner of Elaine’s Creative Cakes.

Monty is no stranger to baking under pressure. At 12-years-old he created a chilli, chocolate and lime dragon showstopper under the watchful eye of Mary Berry and James Martin for the hit TV series in just 90 minutes. Now 15-years-old and studying GCSE Food and Nutrition, Monty says he’ll be looking for a combination of good flavours and presentation and adds: ‘‘I'm looking forward to judging rather than competing - what's not to enjoy about eating cake!"

Shirley, former National president and chairman of the Craft Bakers Association, runs Peters Homemade Bakery Ltd with her husband in Fallowfield, an independent craft bakers established in 1969. She will be joined by national award-winning independent celebration cake maker Elaine Hamey.

Keeping it in the family, Altrincham cake shop owners Mandy and Alanah share a love of baking since childhood, and with talents in sugar craft, they are keen to see a real showstopper.

Emma King, food and nutrition teacher at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys said: ‘‘We are delighted to have been a part of the bake off competition. We have had some incredible entries and I can’t wait for the boys to present their final bakes!’’ Lou Clutton, food technology teacher at Altrincham Grammar School for Girls said: ‘‘All of the girls have worked so hard and have put a lot of effort into every stage. Creating a two tier celebration cake is certainly the biggest challenge they have faced so far, so the excitement and anticipation is building rapidly!’’ Aileen James, food technology teacher at North Cestrian added: ‘‘Having managed our internal competition throughout, it has been a pleasure to see the students experiment with such ambitious cakes, showcasing their technical abilities and giving them a huge confidence boost. I can’t wait to taste their final creations!’’ For live updates on the grand final follow North Cestrian School on Twitter @NorthCestrianGS or like the school on Facebook: facebook.com/NorthCestrian.