Uni worker reaches final of Slovak 'bake off'

A University of Bradford office worker says she has gained newfound confidence after reaching the final of a Slovak version of the TV series The Great British Bake Off.

Lenka Kaur was a finalist in this year's series of Pečie celé Slovensko.

Ms Kaur emigrated to the UK from Slovakia in 2002 and returned to film the series earlier this year.

She said: "Going from being someone who didn't like my photos taken and absolutely no videos to someone who doesn't hesitate to speak in front of the cameras is amazing. It has changed me for good."

Ms Kaur added: "As someone who left Slovakia when I was only 18, having the opportunity to go back and stay for an extended period of time has been a dream.

"I know England is my home now, but Slovakia is my birthplace and is part of my identity and my heritage, so having to spend time there during the show was absolutely amazing."

Ms Kaur said she started baking with her grandmother in Slovakia when she was eight years old and previously ran her own small baking business from home.

The competition was set in a tent in the grounds of the Theresia Chateau and each episode had three weekly baking challenges.

Each week a baker was voted off by the programme's judges, with Jana Simová winning the series.

"As a baker I have grown massively and now enjoy baking more than ever," Ms Kaur said.

"I am definitely more confident with my bakes, and I love to experiment with new flavours and recipes. I do like to challenge myself when making cakes."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.