Clitheroe baker's incredible 6ft cake of Santa hugging a nurse as a 'thank-you' to heroic NHS staff

Clitheroe cake artist Rose Dummer, otherwise known as Rosie Cake Diva, spent two weeks crafting the 30-stone masterpiece, which was delivered to the hospital on Friday and fed 1,300 people.

The impressive chocolate orange cake with chocolate frosting and chocolate orange ganache - containing 360,000 calories - was requested for Channel 5's Amazing Cakes and Bakes, which is due to air this weekend.

Speaking to the Clitheroe Advertiser and Times, the mother-of-four said the cake is a tribute to the thousands of frontline staff who have been putting their lives at risk to protect the public during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Rosie explained: "I’m so pleased that it hit the right note and conveyed the sentiment I wanted to express. The fact that we haven’t forgotten how hard the NHS and, in fact, all key workers have been toiling for months on our behalf.

"In a year when we can’t hug people, I wanted to send a virtual hug to all the heroes out there."

When asked why she decided to donate the cake to Royal Bolton Hospital, she replied: "I have been presenting at the Bolton Food Festival for a number of years so it was a lovely way of doing something with the council as the festival was obviously cancelled this year. Channel 5 wanted to film a Christmas special so I immediately thought of Bolton."

Rosie, who is no stranger to creating show-stopping cakes, admitted her latest creation was the most tricky one she's attempted so far - which left her working until 4am on some nights! However, her hard work seems to have paid off as the feedback and compliments she has received have been phenomenal.

She explained: "The response has been amazing. You know the biggest compliment I have had is the number of people going ‘Ewww.....how unhygienic! She will be rubbing germs all over the cake!’ - speaking about the nurse! They think she’s real! They think it’s a real health-worker hugging a Santa cake. And when it’s pointed out to them their reaction is brilliant. It has happened so many times it’s completely made my day!"

Andy Ennis, chief operating officer at Bolton NHS Foundaton Trust, said: "We were delighted with Rosie's kind gesture. It has put such a smile on people's faces after what has been a tough year for our staff.

"The cake was absolutely incredible, and also very tasty. Thank you Rosie."

Rose's creation will be featured on a Cakes and Bakes Christmas Special on Channel 5 this Saturday (December 12th).