CAKE makers in the North East have been battling it out in a competition to create the best gingerbread house.

Sweet-toothed people gathered from all over Newcastle to take part in the Gingerbread House Challenge yesterday in the hope of being crowned master of cake artistry.

The fiercely-contested competition, which took place at Newcastle’s City Library, was entered by 33 teams.

And the gingerbread homes were, in some cases, a million miles away from the Hansel and Gretel fairytale traditions, with some crafting unique beach huts and rustic country homes.

The contest was cooked up to raise money for the Sick Children’s Trust at the RVI Hospital in Newcastle, which provides accommodation for the families of children being treated at the hospital.

The event was organised by Lisa Vincent and Cake Poppins owner Kate Emmet. Mrs Vincent, who formed the successful Clandestine Cake Club, was delighted with the outcome of the competition.

She said: “We’ve tried to make a whole street of houses with the entries, and we have all sorts of other things going on such as a raffle, guess the weight of the cake competition and a gingerbread man painting session.

“We raised £170 through the entrance fees alone and will have raised more through donations.”