A group of star bakers were invited to have tea with their Mayor after he was impressed by their cake creations.

Cllr Mohammad Iqbal Zia, Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, welcomed supporters, members and volunteers from the charity Earthworks into his parlour.

Earthworks, based at a three-acre site in Hixberry Lane, provides horticultural training for people with learning disabilities.

Members learn how to maintain the gardens, heritage orchard and vegetable beds and also sell fruit, vegetables and craft products at the monthly St Albans’ farmers market.

At an annual fundraising event for Earthworks, Cllr Zia was on hand to judge the cake making competition, where he was impressed by the consistently high standard.

He said: “Earthworks is a fantastic charity that helps young people with learning disabilities develop new horticultural skills.

“I had a wonderful day judging the cake-making competition at the charity’s summer fair and seeing all the great work that is done at Hixberry Lane.

“I was really impressed with the delicious cakes created by Earthworks’ members using produce from the site, as well as by the charity’s many supporters.

“I thought I would re-pay the fantastic hospitality shown to me by inviting volunteers, members and supporters to tea.”

Bianca Badham, project leader for Earthworks, said the representatives had a great time celebrating St Albans, learning more about the Mayor’s role and his initiatives for the city.