FORGET Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood — Affetside will stage its own version of hit TV baking competition The Great British Bake Off this summer.

The first Great Affetside Bake Off will be held alongside the village’s popular French boules competition on June 8.

Bakers are invited to bring along their entries by 2pm on the day, with a category for juniors under the age of 16 and one for adults.

The competition will take place on the village green, and organisers have vowed that it will carry on whatever the weather conditions, with marquees to protect the entries from the elements.

Joanne Wilcock, chairman of the Affetside Society, said: “The only thing we need is the weather, but in Affetside, whatever the weather we carry on.

“There has already been a lot of interest. A few people have said to me that they have never baked in their life, but they are going to enter something into the competition.”

The TV show, which is judged by cookery writer Mary Berry and professional baker Paul Hollywood, has prompt-ed a craze for baking across the country.

Mrs Wilcock said: “It has captured the imagination of all types of people. One of the oldest ladies in the village is going to take part, and I know of a three-year-old who is submitting an entry.”

Three judges will taste the entries blind, and the winners will be announced while the boules competition is running. The boules competition was first held in 2003, and has become an annual fixture, with competitors from across the borough.

Mrs Wilcock said: “We decided to do it in conjunction with the boules, as that is always a popular event and we hope it will attract as many people as possible.”

After the cakes have been judged, they will be sold to raise funds for the society.

The boules com-petition starts at 1.30pm, and is £4 for adults and £1 for children, including French themed refreshments.

For more information: visit affetside.org.uk