Prison baking to fund charity

JONATHAN CAMERON/Tribune

SPITTING IMAGES: Corrections officer Murray Gribbin displays a colleague's winning entry in Manawatu Prison Social Club's Big Bake Off on Wednesday. Left is a beautifully iced gingerbread prisoner wearing the orange jumpsuit required when in the visitor centre. Right is a senior corrections officer, complete with two stripes on his lapel. The colleague also made corrections officer gingerbread.

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Manawatu Prison staff kicked off their fundraising for The Square Trust Rescue Helicopter on Wednesday, by pitting their culinary skills against each other.

With the table in the cafeteria metaphorically groaning under the weight of 22 baking delights, all staff needed to vote for their top three was a gold coin donation and an empty stomach.

Prisoners had made two entries in the prison kitchen - a stylish chocolate mud cake and mini chocolate eclairs, housed under a toffee garnish.

The Big Bake Off was organised by the prison's social club, which was revived six months ago and has about 50 members.

Spokesman Alex Brown says the rescue helicopter was chosen as the club's charity, as everyone seems to use it and it always struggles for money.

The social club plans to hold a fundraiser for the helicopter every three or four months.

Mr Brown entered a moist carrot cake with a decadent spread of cream cheese icing.

The social club also held a barbecue and rugby jersey raffle on Wednesday.

Helicopter pilot Andrew Harrison was presented with $250.

"We really need every little bit we can get," he said.

Mr Harrison told the staff he'd think about them each time he flies over the prison.