A CAKE maker and decorator from East Huntspill has overcome a family tragedy to secure double first prize in a national competition.

Last year Elaine Thomas scooped two golds and silver at the national sugar craft event 'Cake', held at the NEC Arena in Birmingham.

This time Elaine, 35, had to deal with the shock death of her father-in-law before entering the 'Cake International' competition at the NEC last weekend.

She said: “It has been a very difficult time and my husband and I were greatly shocked by his father's death.

“He only has a small family and very few of them live locally so it's been an emotional rollecoaster for us.”

However Elaine, of Church Close, knuckled down and concentrated her efforts on her two novelty cake entries and was delighted to repeat her success bagging two golds and silver again, despite her heartache.

She added: “To do so well is really overwhelming and quite unbelievable considering what we've gone through.

“Designing and decorating the cakes really helped take my mind off things though and helped lift the doom and gloom.”