A six-year old Ilford boy won a very special early Christmas present this morning - the world’s most expensive mince pie.

Families have been making their own mince pies at a manufactory in The Exchange shopping centre, High Road, Ilford, since the start of the month.

And all received raffle tickets to win a delicately-crafted �3,000 version, gilded with platinum leaf, which has been on display there.

Lucky Mukund Soni, a fan of TV show Masterchef, got his hands on the pie this morning.

His father, Mahendra Soni, said: “My wife and I have been thinking of buying gifts for the children and this has been a fantastic additional present for them.

“We’re looking forward to inviting friends over for a celebration of this surprise gift.

“Mukund has a keen interest in culinary activities. “Once we heard about the manufactory we had to come and take part and he loved it.”

The pie is brushed with eggnog and dusted with precious Ambergris sugar, following a recipe from 1670.

A 1920’s cognac and Tokaij Essentica, a sweet white wine, were also used.

Marc Myers, The Exchange’s general manager, said: “We wanted to deliver something different for our customers this Christmas. “We’ve seen children and adults alike making mince pies and having a fantastic experience, some returning many times.”