BEATING off stiff competition for first place at this year's western region bakery competition was Peter Rockett from Hatherleigh.
Peter, who runs Pete's Home Bake in the town with his wife Angela, entered the competition held at Bako Western in Cullompton on Sunday, October 5.
He beat off many entries with his edible harvest piece of a platter of five loaves and two fishes to win first prize in the 'Edible Harvest Loaf' category.
Peter said he chose to make the platter as he wanted to do something different, in order to help catch the eyes of the judges from the usual wheat sheaf chosen by most bakers to represent the Harvest.
'This is the first year I have taken part in the competition,' said Peter.
'I have been asked to take part several times but I just haven't had the time — but as this time of year is usually quiet I had some time on my hands.
'There were a dozen or more in my category but there were many categories within the competition for various bread, buns and savoury stuff.
'It was a big marquee and showed that the craft isn't dead — although there aren't so many of us around anymore.
'I was very pleased and I suppose I was shocked — although you do enter to win but I didn't know what to expect.'
Peter and Angela celebrate the shop's 18th birthday this November.
The award winning piece can be viewed at Peter's shop in Hatherleigh, as it is part of their carnival window display.