BUDDING Mary Berrys are being challenged to bake an Alfred the Great cake to celebrate the first ever Somerset Day on May 11.

Hundreds of amateur bakers are entering the countywide competition – and making sure they’re a bit more careful than Alfred, who famously burnt some cakes he was supposed to be watching on the Somerset Levels.

The winning cake will go on menus in Taunton at the Castle Hotel, Brazz and the cafes at Taunton Library and the Museum of Somerset, with 50p from each sale from May to July going to Somerset Community Foundation.

The winner will also receive a champagne dinner for two at Castle Bow Restaurant and an overnight stay at the Castle.

Castle proprietor Kit Chapman said: "King Alfred is a hero, rightly called 'Great'.

“One of the things people most identify him with is the 'burning of the cakes' and we’d urge everyone to submit their cake recipes which will be judged for the bake-off on May 11, Somerset Day. Just don't accidentally burn them!"

A vote run earlier this year in conjunction with the County Gazette saw King Alfred – who defeated the invading Danish army in 878 - chosen as the ambassador of Somerset for the county’s first ever annual day.