Warrens Bakery has shortlisted seven teenagers to take part in the final of its first ever Young Budding Baker of the Year competition.

The finalists, aged 16-18, represent the seven regions that Warrens operates in across the UK and have been selected from thousands of entrants to take part in the final at Nisbet’s showroom in Bristol on 9 August.

It will be hosted and judged by Warrens head baker and chairman of chair of the Cornish Pasty Association Jason Jobling, alongside Dean Starling, brand sales development chef for the National Catering Equipment Centre.

Contestants will take part in three challenges, the first of which is called Baking Wizardry – a mystery baking task in which they will be judged on flavour, appearance and texture. Then comes the Pasty Challenge, which will see the finalists create and bake their own sweet or savoury signature pasty. Flavours, the quality of the idea and the crimping will all be judged.

Finally, the contestants will be challenged to ‘Get Creative’ by transforming a sponge cake into a centrepiece for a special occasion.

“Baking requires a very special set of skills and talents, and for Young Budding Baker of the Year we are looking for someone who is eager to learn and has a natural feel for the craft,” said Jobling. “It’s about more than being able to follow a recipe – it’s about using your imagination and letting your creativity flow.”

The prizes include a trip to Cornwall to visit Warrens Bakery at St Just, the chance to meet former Bake Off star Martha Collison, a year’s supply of bakes, and a baking course at a local cookery school. The winner will also get to help develop a new product, which will be sold in Warrens Bakery stores.