ANYONE who has a passion for sugarcraft or would like to learn the art will now have the opportunity in Malton.

Josie Abbey, who lives in the town, has been a member of the British Sugarcraft Guild for four years, but with no local branches she has decided to help set one up.

“I just decided instead of wishing we had a branch, I would contact head office with a view to starting a branch here,” Josie said.

“Our nearest branches are at Leeds, Harrogate and Hull and following directions from the Guild I have obtained a list of names of both ladies and men who are interested in becoming part of this new venture.”

The British Sugarcraft Guild is a nationwide organisation which holds monthly meetings to promote, stimulate, share knowledge, develop talents and endorse standards within sugarcraft.

Josie said interest was growing due to the continued growth of home baking with many people now getting the bug following the successful series of the Great British Bake Off.

“The Guild sends out a quarterly magazine and obtains discounts to members from certain craft suppliers, all a bonus,” she added.

Josie said the next stage to setting up a branch would be a first meeting which would be held on Tuesday, May 13 at 7pm, in the Community Centre - formerly the Memorial Hall, Old Malton.

“The evening is open to all, total beginners and experienced sugarcrafters, enabling everyone to meet and find out just what the Malton Branch is all about,” she added.

“There will be three Guild members coming from Carlisle, Harrogate and Huddersfield to support the new branch, giving demonstrations and to help get us up and running.”

Josie said: “I hope people will come along to this first night if it is only to have a look, a chat and a cuppa; no one needs worry if they haven’t tried this before, as we all have to start somewhere and there will be plenty of fun.”

Entry on the night is £3, there will be a light supper, and a raffle. Anyone wishing to contact Josie for more information can email her at ja@abicclick.plus.com phone 01653 698102 or go to the BSG website at www.bsguk.org