A hotly-contested hedgehog-themed baking competition among Prep School staff helped swell the proceeds of a Macmillan Coffee Morning held at the School.

An impressive 27 entries from Prep School teaching and support staff included hedgehog families, a prickly character on top of a pumpkin house, many mouth-wateringly cute creations – and even a squashed hedgehog.

Year 4 teacher Lizzie Kennedy, who came up with the idea while watching TV’s The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice, said: “I’m amazed at the fantastic quality of cakes and effort everyone has put in. Hedgehogs have been the talk of the staffroom since September and there have been many prickly jokes!”

Mrs Kennedy hatched her hedgehog plan with Ruth Boyes, a member of the domestic services team, who runs the Prep School’s annual Macmillan Coffee Morning. The Coffee Morning attracts many beautiful cakes and buns made by parents so this was the staff’s chance to make their own contribution.

“We wanted to inspire the children and also bring fun and excitement to our charity event,” said Mrs Kennedy. “We invited children to bring their parents in to make a donation and visit the hedgehogs after school, and also have a chance to buy them!”

The Hedgehog Bake-Off and Coffee Morning together raised £410 for Macmillan Cancer Support. The elected school council judged the bakes and awarded the following prizes:

Best Hedgehog in Show: Sarah Cobb, Deputy Head

Worst Hedgehog in Show: Cath Sweeting, Assistant Head

Most Unusual Hedgehog in Show: Nicola Bradshaw, Dolman Housemistress

Funniest Hedgehog in Show: Asha Burton, granddaughter of a member of the support staff

Cutest Hedgehog in Show:  Angie Woodcock, Day Matron, Dolman Boarding House