BUDDING bakers cooked up a storm in Clacton for Armed Forces charity Help for Heroes.

The Bake For Heroes saw well-wishers bake thousands of cakes and buns, which were sold off in the town centre.

This year’s appeal raised almost £3,000 for the charity.

Big-hearted supporters from across the area have seen the grand total reach £18,500 since the campaign was launched five years ago.

Organiser Paul Ballard said: “Cakes were coming in all day. Some people bake just one and others bake lots.

“It’s terrific to raise so much money and people are very supportive.”

Singers Gwyn Pritchard and Leah Sanche provided entertainment, with mascot Hero the Bear leaping on to the stage to dance the Time Warp, from the Rocky Horror Picture Show, and then lead a conga around the town square.

Mr Ballard thanked everyone who helped on the day, adding: “We hope there will be as much support for the sixth one next year.”