From cooking demonstrations to unicorn cakes, Kate Barmby has had plenty on her plate since appearing on Britain's biggest baking show in 2016.

Eastern Daily Press: Kate Barmby supporting Nelson Journey's Purple Picnic week. Photo: Richard Jarmy PhotographyKate Barmby supporting Nelson Journey's Purple Picnic week. Photo: Richard Jarmy Photography (Image: Richard Jarmy Photography)

One year on, the Norfolk nurse and mum of two has reflected on how The Great British Bake Off changed her life.

Mrs Barmby, from Brooke, has certainly risen to the challenge since finishing ninth on the hit show and balances a busy baking schedule while still working as a nurse.

She said: 'I'm still nursing but in addition to this I have also been incredibly busy teaching, doing demonstrations, speaking on Radio Norfolk and supporting local charities, including Nelson's Journey and Break.

'I have a monthly column in Let's Talk, I'm a guest teacher at Richard Hughes Cookery School at the Assembly House and I was thrilled to contribute to the Norfolk Cookbook with Norfolk Food and Drink – it's been an absolute whirlwind of a year.'

Eastern Daily Press: The launch of The Norfolk Cook Book with (from left) producers Jodie Sibley and James Debbage, Norfolk Food and Drink chairman Sarah de Chair, and cooks Kate Barmby, Charlie Hodson and Richard Bainbridge. Picture: Keiron TovellThe launch of The Norfolk Cook Book with (from left) producers Jodie Sibley and James Debbage, Norfolk Food and Drink chairman Sarah de Chair, and cooks Kate Barmby, Charlie Hodson and Richard Bainbridge. Picture: Keiron Tovell (Image: � Keiron Tovell Photography 2017)

Reflecting on last year's series, which was eventually won by Candice Brown, Kate said her highlight was making friends with the other bakers who are all still in touch.

Her highlight was bread week as her Corn Maiden Harvest loaf showcased lots of local ingredients including Fielding cottage cheese, Adnams beer, Yare Valley oil and Colmans mustard.

Talking of any regrets, she said: 'I regret not keeping my recipes simpler at the start. I tried too hard and over-complicated things.'

As Bake Off moves to Channel 4, many have questioned whether Britain's most famous tent will still stand tall – as fan favourites Mel, Sue and Mary bid a fond farewell.

Eastern Daily Press: 'Barry' the unicorn cake Kate Barmby has created for the Assembly House's Rainbow Unicorn Afternoon tea. Photo: Kate Barmby'Barry' the unicorn cake Kate Barmby has created for the Assembly House's Rainbow Unicorn Afternoon tea. Photo: Kate Barmby (Image: Kate Barmby)

Kate added: 'I love the Great British Bake Off and I'm sure that it will still be the lovely gentle programme that it has always been.

'I will miss seeing Mel, Sue and Mary in the tent as I feel a great fondness for them, having met them in person, but I am also looking forward to watching the new series.'

Mrs Barmby is looking to develop her passion for sugarcraft in the future and recently produced a Rainbow Unicorn Cake for an afternoon tea centrepiece at the Assembly House in Norwich city centre.

Asked to sum up the Bake Off in three words, Kate said: 'Tasty as ever!'