The Richemont Club at the Bakers' Fair

The six-shop chain beat off competition from Manchester-based Slattery's Patissier & Chocolatier in second place, and Chatwins of Nantwich in third place, reigning supreme in competition classes including character biscuits and vegetarian products.

P&A Davies MD Simon Haslett told British Baker that this was the first time the 108-year-old company had entered the Richemont competition. He commented: "We are absolutely delighted to win. We will be trying again next year."

The Richemont competition, now in its fourth year, attracted a record 308 entries, which were judged live. Richemont president Trevor Mooney said the standard of entries had been outstanding this year, with new student classes attracting a high calibre of candidates and the celebration cakes category proving exceptionally popular.

Elaine Hamey and Lisa Smith from Peter Herd of Wilmslow won top honours in the wedding cake-decoration live competition, with a cappuccino-shaded cake, showcasing a range of technical sugarcraft skills.

The Best in Show prize went to a multiseed loaf, baked by Martin Ormisher of Preston-based Glovers Bakery. And, of the young baker category entries, judge Andrew Davidson said: "The standard of entries is absolutely superb. The breads are magnificent, any of them could have picked up first prize!"

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