Home baker of the year

2:05pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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Actress and queen of home baking Jane Asher has announced the dates for the Home Baker of the Year award 2008, which is open to adults of all ages all over the UK.

Among the judges will be Lucy Nicholson of LucyCooks cookery school at Staveley and Lucy's of Ambleside.

The annual competition, which is now entering its 5th year, aims to remind people that baking is an enjoyable activity for people of all ages - it can be fun for families, professionals, mothers and even men!

All you have to do to be crowned Home Baker of the Year is design a cake or recipe and submit it through the website which is www.homebake.co.uk. Jane Asher will then choose five finalists to be entered into the final which will be held on October 9 at Poggenpohl Kitchen Showrooms in Manchester. Recipes can be brand new ideas or variations of old classics; last year's winner, Linda Edmonds from Essex was a success with her Tipsy Apple and Blackberry Cupcakes, fighting off tough competition amongst a high standard of entries.

Jane Asher commented: "The award has been a resounding success since it launch in 2004 and we had a record number of entries last year! The UK has such a strong baking culture and I am aiming to help this continue for generations to come. Baking isn't just something that should be done for special occasions, its fun for all the family - and it can be easy too.

"I really enjoy being involved with the competition; baking is a fun activity for all the family, and gives a great reward at the end! I hope Home Baker of the Year encourages people to get back into the kitchen, and I look forward to seeing the entries pour in for another successful final." All entries must be in by August 10. For details on how to visit www.homebake.co.uk