Jewish Care's biggest grassroots event of the year saw a record 4,500 people from London and the surrounding areas take part in its annual Great Jewish Bake Day, designed to raise awareness, involvement and, on a small scale, funds.

Cake was the unifying factor as pupils, staff, supporters, volunteers and clients - plus a dozen shops and kosher bakeries - engaged in a variety of activities linked to baked confections.

At Redbridge Jewish Community Centre, a Mad Hatters' Tea Party was arranged for members and residents from the Vi and John Rubens home, who welcomed children from the Wohl Ilford Jewish Primary.

In Southend, Jewish Care volunteer Carolyn Squires took things outside by hosting a poolside tea party.

At Jewish Care's Golders Green complex, a cake decorating masterclass went down particularly well with visiting Year One and Two pupils from Hertsmere Jewish Primary, who learned how to ice and decorate multi-coloured cupcakes.

Michael Sobell Community Centre member Helen Rothstein, 87, said: "It was lovely to see the children's enthusiasm. I've always looked at the shop windows and wondered how to make such nice-looking cakes and I'm so pleased to be shown how. It takes just a bit of imagination."

Reform movement volunteers helped in the cinnamon-flavoured production line at Rubens House in Finchley.

Hendon Reform member Deborah Bright said: "It's easy for us to forget about older people in our community and Bake Day is a nice opportunity to give something back."

The £5,000-plus anticipated from the day will go towards providing teas at Jewish Care establishments.