Professional bakers have less than two weeks left to pit their skills against peers for cupcake maker glory.

The National Cupcake Championships, run alongside National Cupcake Week (15 to 21 September) and organised by British Baker, aim to find the best cupcakes around.

There are four categories to enter: Classic: Themed: Made with Alcohol; and Free-from with professional and home bakers eligible for entry in separate competitions.

The finalists will be chosen by a panel of esteemed judges including last year’s home baker’s overall winner Shalini Sriskandarasa, 2012 winner Emily Johnson of Upsy Daisy Bakery and Tea Room in Hammersmith, west London and bakery expert Chris Bachmann of Bachmann’s Patisserie in Hampton’s Court, west London. Representatives from our partners Wellbeing of Women and Cake International, sponsor Barry Callebaut and British Baker will also be on hand to pick our eight finalists.

Another round of judging will take place at the NEC, Birmingham on 8 November to find our two overall champions for 2014.

Visit www.nationalcupcakeweek.co.uk for entry info and follow us at @CupcakeWeek - you only have until Friday 15 August.