Hadleigh Nursing Home chef Ashley Staples was grateful when resident Wendy Logue was able to solve the clue as to what to bake in the latest round of the Great Kingsley Bake Off.

As soon as the former ballet dancer saw the clue – Decorated as a Prima Ballerina – she correctly guessed this week's challenge was to bake a pavlova, named after the famous Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova.

Ashley's amazing pavlova, judged by Kingsley Healthcare operations directors Sumi Thayan and Debbie McGovern, was competing against those made by five other East Anglia homes taking part in a three-week challenge.

Operations manager Sarah Rogers, who devised the contest, said: "As an extra fun element we give a clue each week as to what has to be baked. That means it is quite possible a home could be on the wrong track before they have even started!"

Hadleigh won the first round challenge of baking sausage rolls but was an honourable runner-up this week behind Kingsley's home in Downham Market; next week will see chefs, helped by residents, produce a "showstopper".

Wendy told Hadleigh Nursing Home's activities coordinator Tracy all about her earlier life as a ballerina.

How young were you when you showed an interest in Ballet?

I showed an interest in ballet when I was around eight years old.

What/Who inspired you to become a ballerina?

My friends loved to dance and were very good and I really wanted to be like them and dance.

Where did you learn ballet? Where was the first place you danced?

I went to the Elmhurst Ballet School, Camberley, in Surrey. (Elmhurst Ballet School was founded in 1923}

What was your greatest strength?

The Pirouette move was my favourite move and I became good at it.

What achievements did you have?

Dancing in stage shows/West End shows, such as South Pacific, and travelling around the country was a huge achievement for me.

How many hours a day, and days of the week did you dance?

I danced most days, apart from a Sunday morning when I went to church. We practised a lot during the week and spent the morning and afternoon dancing.

Do you have a favourite memory?

My favourite memory about being a ballerina was teaching steps to other dancers.

At what time did you retire from being ballerina?

I cannot really remember when I gave up dancing, but I know I gave up before I married my husband.

How did dancing make you feel?

I loved dancing, it made me very happy when I felt sad.

What kept you going through life?

Sometimes you just have to do things and prove others wrong.