IT IS enough to put the showstopper attempts of the Great British Bake Off television show contestants to shame.

Far from an entry for the BBC cooking contest, this magnificent icing replica of the Brighton bandstand was a wedding present from proud parents George and Pat Ashby to their newly-wed son Michael and daughter-in-law Siobhan.

The couple, of Carlisle Road, Hove, married in the bandstand in front of family and friends before a reception at the Kings Hotel opposite. Also known as Brighton DJ Mikee Hollywood, the groom and his bride Siobhan - née Mason - cut into the three tiered masterpiece during an evening celebration at La Fourchette, in Second Avenue, Hove. They are now enjoying a honeymoon in Venice.

Taking the location as inspiration, George and Pat, of Langdale Road, Hove, set to work at least two months ago and the surprise cake delighted guests.

George sketched out a design and Pat, who teaches and demonstrates sugar craft, used her extensive talents to make a traditional fruit cake filling before moulding, sculpting and piping sugar paste, royal icing, unbreakable gel, and flower paste to form the delicate design.

Not only is she the past president of the British Sugarcraft Guild but she has written more than 20 books on cake decorating, including 1980s bestseller The Art of Cake Decorating: Finishing Touches.

Pat said: "It was quite a technical piece of work. I once made a cake to present to the Duke of Edinburgh when he handed out awards here, but I think this was the hardest I have ever done.

"We're really pleased everyone liked it. I had to contend with the weather but it turned out how I wanted it. The day was absolutely fabulous."

Pat spent around £300 on ingredients and materials.

She said: "It would cost you much more to buy a cake like this."

While it was an effort which would surely wow Bake Off television judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood, Pat said she would not consider entering the show.

She said: "I never went in for the cake making as such - mainly the decorating."

George added: "I helped out with the design but Pat did all the fiddly bits. It took a lot of skill to do it. It looked quite charming."

Mrs Ashby hosts classes at her home on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. To book call 01273 736722.

She is leading a demonstration at West Blatchington Windmill, Holmes Avenue, Hove, from 8pm on Tuesday.