DUST off your apron, break out the baking trays and stock up on flour as The Great British Bake Off returns.

Love it or hate it, Bake Off has drawn in millions to its world of cakes, scones and signature bakes.

Since Bake Off began more people than ever have become interested in baking.

Statistics have shown that during every season of Bake Off there is a corresponding surge in the amount of baking goods sold.

The success of the show has even inspired its own range of kitchen utensils at retailer Lakeland.

Find out the the favourite cakes of Barrow, Ulverston and Dalton according to one of the area's biggest bakers

Find out the favourite cakes of Barrow, Ulverston and Dalton according to one of the area's biggest bakers

Local businessman Doug Gillam, owner of Gillams Tearooms in Ulverston, has not seen an increase in his sales since Bake Off.

However, he does compliment the show, praising it for getting people more interested in the food they eat.

He said: "If people are cooking for themselves, it's a good thing.

People are taking an interest in food and what goes into it."

Although Mr Gillam isn't keen on the competitive aspect of the show, he has praised the knock-on effects it seems to have.

"It can only be a good thing, shows that educate and inform people about food."

This sentiment is echoed by Miranda Smith, manager of the Last Resort coffee shop in Barrow, who said: "I think it makes baking a bit more interesting, it gives young people a push to get into it.

"Years ago everybody baked, but as lives get busier that stops."

Young people getting more involved in baking is something Brian O'Loughlin, owner of Thomas's Bakery, has noticed more since the Bake Off began.

He said: "One of our younger staff members asked me about naan bread, and if it was easy to make.

"That was a question that never would have been raised two or three years ago."

One sector that has benefited from our obsession with cakes has been the charity sector.

Bake Off inspired fundraisers have given charities such as Ulverston's St Mary's Hospice a new and fun way of raising money.

St Mary's marketing coordinator Sarah Simpson said: “At the Orangery cafe at St Mary’s Hospice we enjoy serving lots of freshly baked goodies and welcome the support.

"Each cup of tea and slice of cake bought raises vital funds for us.

"The Bake Off is a great excuse for a chat and a treat and I believe the Bake Off inspires and encourages overall cake sales and coffee mornings as a great and fun way to fundraise."

Bake off memories: The great ice bun disaster

The bake off returns tonight at 8pm on BBC1.

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