OXFORD’S first bake-off was the icing on the cake for those with a sweet tooth and a taste for homemade pie.

The Oxfordshire Bake-Off on Saturday at Oxford Town Hall was such a success the organiser last night pledged to hold another.

More than 50 amateur bakers displayed their homemade offerings and competed in categories which included pies, bread, cupcakes and large cakes. And more than 300 people came through the doors to get a taste of the new event.

The charity baking competition was inspired by the hit television show The Great British Bake Off.

And the £500 raised so far from the sale of the treats will go to Oxfam, breast cancer charity CoppaFeel and the Oxford Rape Crisis Centre.

Organiser Kate Kellaway-Moore, 23, said: “It was brilliant. It was a great first and there will be another Oxfordshire Bake-Off.

“It has got an amazing potential to grow and bring in even more Oxfordshire bakers.”

She said homemade baking had become more and more popular, adding: “Everyone loves a bit of cake. It is about bringing people together and community – they are both values in baking.”

Baking judge Samantha Tempest, who runs a cake making firm in Minster Lovell, said she had been impressed by the show.

She said: “For a first time event the turnout was incredible. It was nice to go around and experience a lot of totally different entries.”

She added: “You cannot beat home baked goodies, so whatever you buy from the supermarket is not going to beat it. It is nice to see such a revival of home cooking.”

Jo Rolstone, a business apprentice at the Mini plant in Cowley, won first prize in the tea party category.

The 20-year-old, from Didcot, said: “I was not really expecting it as I have never done anything like that before.”

She added: “My mum makes lots of cakes and I enjoy it. It is a nice thing to do – to make something for friends and family.”

As well as the baking contest, there were workshops, stalls and a teashop.

Stallholder Rufaro Mat-sinde, 33, from London, said: “It was a good atmosphere. If it turned into an annual thing it would be successful.”

Broad Street was also a treat for those with a sweet tooth as it hosted the Chocolate Festival on Saturday and Sunday.

Chocolate producers offered shoppers tasting lessons, gifts to buy, and free samples.