A St John Ambulance community first responder is encouraging residents to enter her virtual cake competition that will be judged by a MasterChef winner.

Lottie Bennett, of Douglas, has received a number of entries from those as young as two to an 85-year-old who have een busy mixing, baking and decorating cakes for the chance of winning a prize donated by island businesses.

To take part, residents simply add a photo of their creations to her Facebook post or tag her in their photos all before the deadline - at midnight on Sunday (April 19).

Lottie, who is also a children’s author, said: ’I had a lot of friends and family on social media getting down about the isolation period and being stuck in the house and so I wondered how I could cheer people up.’

She decided to create a ’glorious baking competition, but with a twist’ as tasting wouldn’t be required. It would mainly focus on the creativity.

’Cooking definitely cheers the mind and tummy up and is a great activity to share in,’ she added.

Judging the entries will be Jane Devonshire, the winner of TV’s MasterChef in 2016.

’Jane’s an old friend of mine and an amazing chef,’ Lottie said.

’She was so kind to join in the fun for the Isle of Man residents.

’She’s also in lockdown in Hampshire, so knows how difficult it is not being able to go about as normal so was delighted to be part of the competition and support.’

The prize for first place is a signed copy of Jane Devonshire’s new cookbook ’Hassle Free Gluten Free’ and £150 of Tesco’s vouchers.

Second prize is a £100 Shoprite voucher, third prize is a £75 petrol voucher, the fourth prize is a £50 Isle of Man Creamery voucher and fifth prize is a £25 garden centre voucher.

Competitors must show a side view of a slice of their cake to prove that is not a mock cake, which is purely used for decoration and often used at wedding fairs.

Lottie has received more than 30 cake photo entries, including from policemen, supermarket staff and MHKs - one being Clare Barber MHK and her family.

’It’s been a fantastic community shared baking experience. I’m glad Jane’s judging it and not me because I know most of the entrants and don’t want to be given that pressure and there are some lovely prizes to win,’ said Lottie.

The keen baker added that she enjoys baking and cake decorating herself, adding: ’It’s like painting a picture with different ingredients but the bonus is you can eat it at the end!’