Pupils from Emmanuel CE Middle School in Verwood were rewarded for their hard work with a baking session with a Great British Bake Off star.

Maggie the Seaside Baker who appeared on the popular show in 2021, joined pupils to bake stained glass biscuits.

The pupils received the reward from their school after amassing Epraise points which they ‘earn’ throughout the year for enjoyment, excellence and endeavour in their learning.

As well as baking with Maggie the children also quizzed her on her time on Bake Off and on her former career as a nurse and midwife.

Jazmin Joyner, a Year 7 tutor at the school said: “I run the choir and we took part in a Diverse Abilities Christmas Concert last year at St Peter’s Church in Bournemouth, where Maggie was one of the guest speakers.

“I was lucky to have a conversation with her and mentioned the Epraise system we use to reward our pupils. She gave me her card and said to email her if we’d like her to come in for a baking reward, which of course we did.

“The children were absolutely thrilled by her visit.”

Pupil Lucy took part in the session. She said: “It was so fun and Maggie gave us some amazing tips on how to bake biscuits at home and about her life as a nurse. She was so friendly and really easy to talk to.”

Jazmin added: “The children and Maggie also all had a good laugh when remembering to put in the flour – something that Maggie forgot to do on GBBO!

“We thoroughly enjoyed having Maggie and hope that she will return next year.”

Wimborne Academy Trust CEO Liz West said: “Maggie is an inspirational lady who has led a truly fascinating life filled with great experiences. Her visit was a great reward for our pupils and something they will remember for many years to come.”