A CUMBRIAN woman has joined the cast of the new series of the Great British Bake Off.

Abbi Lawson, from Tebay, made her first appearance in the opening episode of Channel Four's hit show on Tuesday night.

Groups she spends her time with away from baking have all come out in support of the new local star.

A spokesman for Home Grown Here, a local co-operative of veg growers and veg box schemes based at Crosby Ravensworth, said: "The team's been able to sample most of her practice bakes and we can confirm - they're delicious.

"It's brilliant to have someone so vocal about locally, seasonally grown produce on such a big platform."

The Westmorland Gazette: Abbi has made herself known in the community as an avid lover of growing produceAbbi has made herself known in the community as an avid lover of growing produce (Image: Home Grown Here)

In her introduction for the show, Abbi's passion for growing vegetables was said to derive from her adoration of the Cumbrian countryside.

"A lover of the great outdoors, she forages for seasonal ingredients – the bigger and bolder, the better – and puts her homegrown veg to good use," Channel Four explained.

"Abbi’s bakes aim to combine comfort and familiarity with a strong nod towards nature, and a feeling of creating something magical – bakes with a touch of fairytale."

The Westmorland Gazette: Abbi has put herself at the heart of the community through her theatre performancesAbbi has put herself at the heart of the community through her theatre performances (Image: Staveley Roundhouse)

Away from food, Abbi's love is focused on the stage, having performed at the Staveley Roundhouse numerous times.

The team at the theatre made sure to ask the baker to bring some treats with her the next time she visits.

A spokesperson said: "It’s brilliant to be able to watch our friend and talented actress Abbi sail through to the next round of The Great British Bake-Off.

"I am not in the least surprised that she is such a natural on television."

Ms Lawson will be just the second competitor to have originated from Cumbria, with the first only coming last series.

James Dewar, a nuclear scientist from the county, finished in ninth place last year.

Abbi will have to showcase the best of her abilities to rein triumphant - or to even earn a coveted Hollywood Handshake.