The much-anticipated Red Label Wine Christmas cake contest climaxed at The Gleaner's North Street offices last Wednesday as nine contestants went to great lengths to impress the judges with their scrumptious fruit cakes.

In the end, it was a lab assistant in the bakery at the University of Technology, Kevin Stewart, who took the top prize of $30,000.

Contestants had to use Red Label Wine as one of their ingredients, and were supplied with eggs from the National Egg Farmers Association.

For full details about the competition and winners, see our next Food section on Thursday, January 1.

FROM LEFT:

(1) The Gleaner's Lifestyle Editor Barbara Ellington, had to assist a tearful Kevin Stewart (centre), after he was announced winner of the Gleaner's Red Label Wine Christmas cake contest last Wednesday. Making the presentation is Romaro Samuels, brand manager, J. Wray and Nephew Limited/

(2) The Red Label Wine Christmas cake contest finalists are (from left to right, front row) Ann-Marie Barrett, Sophia Campbell and Claudette Franscique. (Back row) Veronica Royes, Sue-Ann Montague, Claudette Morgan, Saida Henry, Kevin Stewart and Paula Sterling.

(3) "Thank you Lord!" said a tearful Kevin Stewart as he was announced the winner of The Gleaner's Red Label Wine Christmas cake contest. He is being congratulated (and consoled) by Marilyn Bennett of J. Wray and Nephew Ltd.