A SCHOOLGIRL from Prestonpans, competing against contestants of all ages, has been crowned Scotland’s best home baker.

Grace Warnock, 14, is known by many for her UK-wide campaign for ‘any disability’ signs for toilets and other public spaces.

But her culinary skills have won a nationwide competition – with her creations featuring in the afternoon tea menu of The Scottish Cafe and Restaurant at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh.

Scottish amateur bakers of all ages were encouraged to show off their skills and Grace’s trifle, banoffee, apple pie and lemon meringue flavoured cupcakes won out over entries of indulgent gateaus and classic cream cakes.

Grace, who attends Preston Lodge High School, came out on top as the first ‘Contini Bake Off’ champion.

She has been baking at home with her mum since she was three and enjoys baking crispy cakes, biscuits and bread in the kitchen with her family.

Carina Contini, head ‘Contini Bake Off’ judge and Scottish Cafe owner, was joined by the venue’s specialist pastry chefs to select the overall star baker. They were on the lookout for technical ability, creative flair, originality and use of local ingredients.

The judges were unanimous in their decision to choose Grace for the top accolade. As part of her prize, Grace recently joined Carina for an afternoon tea masterclass at The Scottish Cafe before recreating her own recipe, which will be showcased on the afternoon tea menu.

Grace said: “I’m so excited to be the first Contini Bake Off champion.

“My trifle cupcake is my favourite and I think it’s the perfect choice for Christmas too.

“My recipe combines vanilla cake, custard filling, a jelly centre made from my own homemade jam and whipped cream icing.

“I bake mainly cakes and biscuits at home, but I’m trying to practise other things like pastry and bread too.”

Carina added: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Grace has become the winner of our first ever Contini Bake Off competition.

“With the home baking trend continuing to grip the nation, we wanted to encourage talented amateur cooks of all ages to put their culinary skills in the limelight. Grace really did rise to the challenge and dazzled us with her creative flair.”