A CULINARY duo from Cumbria is competing to win a TV baking competition.

Mireia Ferreres Luna, a pastry chef in the Lake District and Robert Stacey, head chef at Levens Kitchen, near Kendal, have been showcasing their talents on Channel 4’s Bake Off: The Professionals.

During last week’s episode, the pair got through the tough first challenge of creating 36 strawberry fraisiers and chocolate accompaniment unscathed.

And in the final showstopper they impressed judges Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden with their London themed treacle tart, complete with towering edible showpiece sculpture, which earned them second place.

In the second episode, which aired on Tuesday, the teams were challenged to make 24 savoury slices and 24 layered crepe cake.

It was a rushed finish for the pair in the first challenge and the judges were critical of how the slices looked, but were blown away by the taste.

Benoit said of their savoury slice: “Great flavours, the best slice for me today, if only they could be neater this is a winning piece.”

The showstopper challenge of creating a greatest sporting moments themed pièce montée proved difficult for the pair, with their choux pastry falling flat and things became emotional as Rob battled with the second and then third batch of choux for their Olympic ensemble.

But they pulled it back and once again impressed the judges with their flavours.

“It is delicious,” said Cherish.

They managed to scrape through to the next round placing second to last overall.