AIREDALE General Hospital’s head of HR found the recipe for success in a charity bake-off.

Nick Parker and his HR team took top spot in the Christmas cupcake contest, staged just before a meeting of the board and council of governors.

“I was pleased to take first place for my colleagues as the winning cupcakes were a team effort – thanks to a few HR elves!” said Mr Parker.

“The competition helped lighten the mood and add a bit of festive cheer to our meeting as well as raising money.”

Over £85 was raised for the hospital’s Emergency Department Appeal.

Entries – from executive and non-executive directors – were judged by Digby Smith, owner of Craven Bakery in Skipton, and Pauline Sharp, stakeholder governor for Bradford Council.

Sally Houghton, a non-executive director with the foundation trust, said: “The challenge was part of a social event we have every year just before the board to council meeting.

“The idea is to thank governors for all their hard work during the year by having a bit of festive fun – but it does get competitive!”