A UNIQUE cake festival has been extended to a second day due to the interest expressed in the event.

Businesswomen Anna Lupton and Christine Bentley from Ampleforth and Helmsley respectively, decided to organise the World Knitted Cake Festival to tie in with the area laying claim to be Britain’s Capital of Cake.

Christine said: “We just came up with this idea and thought it would be something different to tie in with the cake theme as well as raising funds."

Funds raised will be donated to the League of Friends of Malton Hospital and Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, an official partner of the Tour de Yorkshire. Originally due to be hold on September 25, the festival will now also be held on September 26.

As Little Fest is to be held the same weekend in Helmsley, the two festivals have joined forces to promote the event with Castle Stores Wool Shop knitting bunting for each of the 20 or so venues around the town who are taking part in the festival.

Prizes for the World Knitted Wool Festival include afternoon tea for two at the Ampleforth Abbey Tea Room followed by an evening’s knitting experience with Maud and Christine, one night B&B at Carr House Farm, Ampleforth, and a family ticket to The International Centre for Birds of Prey, Duncombe Park, Helmsley.

The festival will be held on September 25 and 26, 10am to 4pm. For a list of businesses taking part go to carrhousefarm.co.uk/the-world-knitted-cake-festival