A LOCAL baker celebrated a memorable weekend after winning an award at the Malvern Autumn Show before taking to the event’s Bake Off stage to demonstrate her skills.

Karen, who runs Caption Catering from Weston-under-Penyard, was named Best in Business after entering one of her cakes at the popular show.

The achievement was followed by another milestone the next day when she appeared on stage to demonstrate the buttercream flowers which have become a distinctive part of her work.

Karen admitted she had been nervous before the demonstration but said the nerves began to disappear once she started piping and speaking about her passion.

She was joined at the show by television presenter Chris Bavin, who hosted the demonstration, while she also met 2019 Great British Bake Off winner David Atherton backstage.

Reflecting on the weekend, Karen said: “I’m not going to pretend I wasn’t nervous. I was absolutely terrified.

“But once I got up there, started piping and talking about something I genuinely love, the nerves began to disappear.”

She thanked Mr Bavin for making her feel comfortable on stage and Mr Atherton for offering advice before her appearance.

Karen also thanked those who watched the demonstration, spoke to her at the event and sent messages of congratulations afterwards.

The weekend represented another landmark for Caption Catering, which Karen started from her home kitchen six years ago.

She said: “Six years ago Caption Catering began in my little home kitchen.

“Yesterday I stood on a stage at the Malvern Autumn Show, with a microphone in my hand, demonstrating the buttercream flowers that have become such a huge part of my business.

“And I’d won a trophy with my cake the day before.

“I think that one might take a little while to sink in.”

The Malvern Autumn Show took place at the Three Counties Showground over the weekend.