A RADCLIFFE youngster became one of the stars of Manchester's Cake and Bake Show after winning a cupcake design competition.

Ellie Euston, of Coronation Road, stole judges’ hearts and tickled their tastebuds after preserve makers Duerr's teamed up with Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity to collect designs from children at the hospital.

The 12-year-old's winning design, which featured blue and pink buttercream, sumptuous sponge, edible glitter and strawberry jam, was then specially created and sold at the show at EventCity, with all proceeds being donated back to the hospital’s charity.

Ellie, who suffers from epilepsy and has to stay at the hospital for one week every month, was the first to taste the cakes, and her verdict was: "They taste even better than they look."

Joel Oxberry, corporate fundraising manager for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, added: "We are delighted that Duerr’s chose our hospital to take part in the competition, and the patients had a fantastic time getting creative and designing their ultimate cupcake.

"Such activities provide patients with a welcome distraction between treatments or long stays in hospital. We would like to say a huge well done to Ellie, her design looked absolutely delicious and we’re sure it was hugely popular at the Cake and Bake show."

Richard Duerr, sales and marketing director of Duerr’s, came along to present Ellie with a winning gift and her cupcakes.

He said: "Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity is one that is close to our hearts and we are so pleased to be able to work with them again this year.

"The cake Ellie has designed both looks and tastes incredible. We hope that people will be generous with their funds so we can raise as much money as possible for this very worthy cause."