With the government due to announce the location of Britain’s first super-casino in December, avid gamblers across the country will be brushing off their smart suits and counting their gaming chips.

But this year’s Baking Industry Awards could give you the opportunity to practise your gaming skills well in advance. At the awards, to be held at the Grosvenor House hotel, London, on September 18, sponsor Cereform will be rolling out its roulette and blackjack tables, setting up its ‘wheel of fortune’ and inviting attendees to play with funny money in its casino, one of the event’s most popular attractions. You will have the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes; last year, there was the chance to win one of six iPods, including a top-of-the-range iPod Photo, and more prizes will be up for grabs this year, too. Watch this space.

Tickets for the awards are already on sale and, to ensure a place, you need to book early. Last year, 900 people attended the industry’s most prestigious event, which acknowledges and celebrates the best of British baking.

Ticket prices are being held at last year’s level and cost £160 plus VAT each, £1,500 plus VAT for a table of 10, and £1,800 plus VAT for a table of 12. For details call Elizabeth Ellis on 01293 846593.

The 11 award categories are:

The Customer Focus Award;

The Craft Bakery Award;

The In-Store Bakery Award;

Bakery Supplier of the Year;

Bakery Food Manufacturer of the Year;

Plant Production Manager of the Year;

Celebration Cake Maker of the Year;

The Marketing Award;

Baker of the Year;

Healthy Bakery Concept of the Year;

Student Baker of the Year

Stop press: Remember, if you are entering the awards, all completed entry forms must be returned by 16 June. For an entry form phone Emma Wiles on 01293 867630 or Hazel Smith on 01293 867628. Don’t delay! Phone today!