An award winning cake has made its way to Pilgrims Hospice Thanet to be part of their Christmas raffle.

Expert baker Nicola Bradshaw donated the cake, Christmas Carol Cake, after it won a bronze award at an international cake competition in Birmingham.

Nicola, from Westgate-on-Sea, runs her own small business The Little Brown Fairy Cake Company and she wanted to take the opportunity to support the hospice, as she says it is a charity very close to her heart.

Nicola said: “My dad William was cared for by Pilgrims 15 years ago and the support we received as a family was fantastic.

“I thought this was the perfect way to say thank you.

“My mum Betty, who sadly passed away in July this year, was the reason I started making cakes as she was also a baker and I still use a lot of her baking equipment.”

Alongside husband Dave, Nicola handed over the award winning cake last Saturday, which will now be 1st prize for the charity’s Christmas raffle.

It is a rich fruitcake made using her mum’s special recipe and is edible right down to the mince pies made from icing.

Caroline Dixon, community fundraising officer, said: “The cake is a real work of art.

“The detail that Nicola has included especially in the facial features is amazing.

“We feel privileged that Nicola has donated this to pilgrims, it really is so life like.”

Ticket for the Christmas raffle are available from Pilgrims Hospices Thanet’s reception and the draw takes place on Wednesday, December 20 at noon.

Other prizes in the raffle include a flat screen TV, donated by Mrs Sheevals, a hamper, a giant teddy and a box of wine and beer.

Karen Kenward, community fundraising manager for Thanet, said: “I was so overwhelmed by the detail and work that has gone into producing such a wonderful cake, you really have to see it to believe it.

“The generosity of our local community in support of our charity is just incredible.

“Let’s hope the raffle raises lots of money for such a great cause, thank you.”