THE owners of a Lake District cafe and bistro have launched a ‘Young Baker’s Initiative’ to encourage South Lakeland youngsters to learn the art of cake making.

Karen Healy and Rob Stuart, of Greens Cafe and Bistro, Grasmere, are aiming the campaign at 13-18 year olds who are interested in baking and wish to learn and develop their knowledge.

Miss Healy said: “We have a lot of young Saturday employees who are very keen on learning and also a niece that bakes and enjoys it so we thought it would be good to encourage this.

“Some of them do food technology at school but say it’s frustrating because it’s quite limited, so this should be great for them.”

Four free evening sessions for budding bakers will be held at the College Street eatery through summer, when attendees will be able to gain new skills and be given the opportunity to create their very own cake. One cake will then be selected to feature on Greens menu for that month, with the recipe also appearing online.

“We have recipes on our website already but it will be nice to have some specifically for younger people,” said Miss Healy. “I will be running the classes but we will have an independent judge for each session, and then at the end of them all, each winner will enter a bake-off competition and the winner will be crowned our Young Baker of 2013.”

Mr Stuart said: “Presenting local youngsters with the opportunity to express their creativity and learn a new talent is not only a great way to encourage a potential career, but will also promote an interest in local food and the benefits of good nutrition. We are delighted to be able to share our expertise with those who are willing to learn something new.”

The free classes will start on May 9. To register email Greens at info@greensgrasmere.com or call 01539 435790.