The editor of a weekly newspaper is set to go head-to-head with chefs in a British Bake Off-style sausage roll competition.

Richmond and Twickenham Times editor David Rankin, a self-confessed culinary enthusiast, is hoping to make mince meat of his 19 competitors during the Red Lion pub’s annual sausage roll off on 28 January.

Thirty-three-year-old David is hoping his “celebrations of pork and apple” will wow the judges who include Celebrity Masterchef winner Lisa Faulkner, chef of the year Hayden Groves and food blogger Danny Kingston.

“I love making sausage rolls, and cooking in general, but this is the first time I’ve truly put my skills to the test,” David told the paper.

“I am incredibly excited, and mildly terrified, to be taking part in this competition, with a remarkable set of judges, great prizes and, judging by last year’s entrants, a very high standard of cooking.

“Fingers crossed it goes ok.”

Competitors can make their filling and pastry beforehand and have 15 minutes assembling time and 25 minutes baking time during five heats.

Red Lion owner Angus McKean wants people people will come to the pub to support the competitors from 6pm onwards.

“We are a good pub that does good British food so it is about holding an event that will compliment the pub.

“It is open to the public to come and watch and we hope they do.”