A STAR contestant from the Great British Bake Off stepped into the judges shoes last week at a special children's version of the hit BBC One show in Warfield.

Bracknell baker Alvin Magallanes was the guest of honour at a the St Michael's Church kids club last Friday where he handed out vouchers to the star bakers of cakes inspired by Lego, Smarties and football. 

Speaking to the Bracknell News, 37-year-old Alvin said he has loved being invited to support local events and charities after appearing on the Bake Off. 

He said: "It's amazing to be invited. As soon as they say it's for the kids then I know I have to come along, it's great that people want you to come along and support them. I've really enjoyed it.

"Looking back at the show, I look at it as such a wonderful personal experience . It's something I've always wanted to do and it's been such a privilege to be a part of it."

His family were a massive support throughout his time on the show, and he brought along wife Michelle and children Eunice and Caleb to enjoy his turn at being a cake judge and field questions from the excitable young crowd.

Bracknell News:

Answering questions from the children, Alvin said he had been a bit scared of judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood before joining the show but that they were lovely, he added he had appreciated Mary's critique which he said was helpful and kind.

Before leaving the show in the sixth week after his pastry attempts failed to impress, Alvin had been juggling a full-time job as a nurse at Heatherwood Hospital with his baking commitments. 

He said: "The hospital have been so good about it and so understanding, giving me holidays when I needed time off. Sometimes patients would ask to see me and I'd go around the wards and visit them. 

"Some patients asked to see me before going into an operation, which is a little bit strange! But I don't mind, I'm happy to see them."

"It was only in 2007 I started baking, Eunice's school was holding a bake sale so I just bought all the ingredients and started from scratch. I really do love it now."

More than 160 children turned up to the Friday 'All Starz' club, with parents jostling to take a photo or selfie with the Bake Off star. 

Jo Foster, All Starz organiser, said: "It's the most children we've ever had. We weren't expecting so many cakes it's been fantastic. It was great to have Alvin here as well, it's really added to the whole evening."