Mary Berry judges Hitchin’s mother and daughter team to be winners

Great British Bake-Off star Mary Berry paid tribute to a mother and daughter master cake-makers from Hitchin over the weekend.

The popular BBC show judge complimented Jennine and Jan Hegley for the quality of their cakes when she paid a visit to a garden party thrown by the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire.

A cake-baking competition was held and judged by the people’s favourite with a lifetime in cooking. The Countess of Verulam, Dione Grimston, and High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Will Hobhouse were also judges.

Much to the pair’s surprise, Jennine and Jan were adjudged to be the winning team.

Their efforts were based on the theme of the British Schools Museum, as mum Jan has strong ties with the historic educational site in Queen Street.

Speaking to the Comet, Jennine – who works at Molly’s Tea Rooms in Bancroft – said modestly: “It was fantastic that Mary was impressed with our baking.

“It was real thrill to meet her, she was absolutely lovely.

“She was very impressed with our cakes and told me she hoped to see me on the show as a contestant. I’m very flattered she thought that, but I’m not sure I would.

“She was wonderful, and spent a lot of time talking with people.”

Molly’s owner Caz Palmer also praised her staff member for the high-standard of baking.

“I’m lucky to have Jennine working for me,” she said.

“She’s amazing. When she started at Molly’s I kept thinking I knew her from somewhere.

“I said to her ‘your face looks familiar’. Well, it turned out that she baked my wedding cake!

“I’ll have to persuade her to go on the show as she’s brilliant.”