TALENTED catering student Jessica Humphreys rose to the top when she took part in a bake-off competition.

The 19-year-old former Harper Green pupil became the first competitor to be awarded the title North West Commis Pastry Chef of the Year twice in consecutive years.

Jessica, who is now studying at Bolton College, wowed judges with her creation of an Opera Gateau.

The competition gives students an opportunity to showcase and focus on specialist skills that they have developed over the duration of their courses.

Jessica, who has recently completed her Diploma in Professional Patisserie in Confectionery, said she practised every day for two weeks in preparation for the challenge.

Her Opera Gateau consisted of three layers of sponge and three layers of filling, including almond sponge, coffee buttercream and chocolate ganache.

Jessica said: “I couldn’t believe it when I was announced the winner.

“Taking part in these competitions has improved my confidence and has developed my skills, such as my chocolate work and making motifs, as well as my general cooking knowledge. My tutors at Bury College have been very supportive and have pushed me to succeed.”

Following on from last year’s success in the North West Commis Pastry Chef of the Year competition 2013, where she produced a flawless trio of desserts – including a lemon meringue pie, chocolate truffle and cake bobou – Jessica is now looking forward to a four day master class with William Curley.

The British patissier chocolatier has invited Jessica to Twickenham, where she will further develop her chocolate skills.

Assistant curriculum manager for catering at Bury College, Mo Daho, said: “Jessica has developed a very large range of skills during her time at Bury College.

“She has always shown 100 per cent commitment and determination in order to produce very high standards of work.”

Jessica now has ambitions to own her patisserie.