DOZENS of entries at this year’s Ulverston and North Lonsdale Show proved Cumbria is passionate about baking.

An abundance of cream horns, shortbreads and Victoria sponges meant the lucky show judges had plenty to get their teeth stuck into.

With similar judging criteria to that of The Great British Bake-Off , the judges were looking out for those dreaded soggy bottoms.

Head judge at the show, Elizabeth Saunders, who started the catering course at Furness College in the early 80s, said: “I think the Bake-Off is amazing, and so is Mary Berry.

“I am a big baker and I love home cooking, especially biscuits, cakes and family meals.

“I think programmes like The Great British Bake Off really encourage people to bake and I think it’s really good that people love baking so much.”

As the 12 amateur bakers get their spatulas at the ready for the welcome return of the nation’s favourite baking competition, Barrow baker Elliot Johnson explained what encouraged his passion for baking.

Mr Johnson, 38, has owned Lakes Bakery in Dalton Road, Barrow, for the past five years.

Mr Johnson, who has been decorating cakes for more than 13 years, said: “I worked as a chef for many years and worked my way through every section.

“Whilst in Jersey I worked with an amazing French pastry chef who liked to pushed the boundaries of what could be done with desserts; working in her team gave me a real passion for baking.

“I think the baking programmes inspire people to try to bake something a bit different, as well as getting people more adventurous when they are shopping. Bread is a good example of this seeing all the different types available for people to buy.

“Baking has become fashionable over the past few years and has got a lot of people into the kitchen baking. With numerous different baking programmes from all over the world it has created interest in different products.”