A TEESDALE lad has made his television debut by baking his first cake for the CBeebies channel.
Pupils from Green Lane Primary School were stunned when they watched the My First programme earlier this month to see their classmate, Jake Allison, in action.
Jake was just five when filming took place last May.
The opportunity came about when his mum Eleanor saw an advert on the internet.
She said: “Like any other job, they had to cast for it. They wanted to do a live feed and they interviewed him and asked him questions.
“I think it helps that he is not shy and he is personable. Jake is quite chatty – when he gets started there is no stopping.”
The youngster, who is listed with Mentor Model Agency, was quickly snapped up.
She added that the school was very supportive of Jake and the two days spent filming were not counted as days off.
“She added that many schools see modelling and filming as education and part of children’s development.
Shooting took place in a bakery in Newcastle, a cafe near South Shields and while shopping for ingredients at supermarket in Spennymoor, before concluding in the final scene at the family home where he baked his sponge cake.
Mrs Allison said: “He was only five but he was really professional about it.”
All Green Lane pupils watched the My First episode featuring Jake on a big screen in the school hall.
“Children were able to ask Jake questions about his experience afterwards.
Along with his television debut Jake can also be seen modelling clothes for The Little Treasury on the company’s website and Facebook page.
