A Llandudno resident has been named World Champion Bara Brith baker for 2018.

Joyce Smith, beat more than 50 other entrants from across the UK to claim the title at the Llandudno Christmas Fayre on the weekend.

Mrs Smith said she "was over the moon" with the result.

She said: "I can’t stop shaking. I was so shocked when Geraint Hughes announced that I had won.

"I make Bara Brith every week for the Church (Holy Trinity Church). We sell it at a pound a slice to raise money for the church."

This was the second time Mrs Smith had entered the championship and it seemed fitting she should win this year's crown with the bake-off taking place in the Holy Trinity Church.

Geraint Hughes from Jones crisps, one of the sponsor’s of the Championship, said: "We were all so glad for Joyce, she really is a worthy winner.

"She works tirelessly for this Church (The Holy Trinity Church), so to be crowned the Champion in a competition held in her beloved Church was something really special."

The four judges, Deiniol ap Dafydd from Blas ar Fwyd, Jane Roberts Head Assessor of Catering from Llandrillo Collage, Jimmy Williams owner and Head Chef of the Signature Restaurant Conwy and Linda Jones former Home Domestic teacher and representing Mercher y Wawr, were all extremely happy with the entries.

Deiniol said: “We were amazed at the variety and style of Bara Brith that we judged this morning but I’m very pleased that we were all unanimous when it came to the winners”

When asked what they are looking for in the winners, Mr Williams said: “ When baking it all starts with the produce, you need good quality ingredients. Then there’s the mixing and the baking, if you get all these right then you’re a winner.

"It’s most certainly true with our two champions. They had good basic flavour, and you could see that the fruit had a moist glazed look when you sliced into the cake.”

Aberystwyth's Elin Gore won the World Junior Champion Bara Brith baker of 2018.

Both winners will receive a trophy made by Great British Ironworks, a cash price plus a year supply of Jones Crisps.