Derbyshire village recreated using Christmas cake

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George Hotel made from cakeImage source, Gary Bagshawe
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The buildings have fairy lights shining in their windows

A village has been recreated in edible form - using Christmas cake, icing and marzipan - to raise money towards restoring a church roof.

Villagers in Youlgrave in Derbyshire pitched in by donating ingredients then sharing out the 35 cakes to bake in their ovens.

Keen cake maker Lynn Nolan then cut, shaped and iced the incredibly detailed 16 buildings with skilled helpers.

Baking began back in June, and the icing alone took 387 hours.

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Image source, Gary Bagshawe
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The Peak Feast bakery includes a multitude of tiny treats

Image source, Gary Bagshawe
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The miniature baked goods - including Battenburg, marble cake and carrot cake - are all edible

Image source, Gary Bagshawe
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Keen cake maker Lynn Nolan decorated the cakes with skilled helpers

Mrs Nolan, a retired florist, said: "I kept finding eggs in my little porch and little old ladies would come to the door with a packet of sugar and butter.

"We also got a mystery man phone up and say whatever the shortfall was he would provide it, because he owned a bakery."

Image source, Gary Bagshawe
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Sixteen buildings have been recreated as cakes

The cakes are still edible because they have been soaked in whisky, which preserves them.

"I've eaten one after five years and it was fine," Mrs Nolan said.

Image source, Gary Bagshawe
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The cakes are being auctioned to raise money for All Saints Church - which has itself been recreated in cake

The models are on display at All Saints Church in the village.

They will be auctioned on 15 December, and the money raised will go towards restoring the church roof.

Barbara Scrivener, from the church, said: "It is all very Christmassy and looks absolutely amazing with lights twinkling from the buildings and Christmas trees scattered around everywhere."

Image source, Gary Bagshawe
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Different cuts of meat can be seen in the butcher's shop window

Image source, Gary Bagshawe
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Food and drink can be seen on the tables inside and outside of the George Hotel

Image source, Gary Bagshawe
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The models are on display at the church from now until just before Christmas