STIRLING residents are being urged to don their aprons and dust down their rolling pins this month in a bid to make a difference to some of the poorest people around the world.

Martha Collison, who was the youngest ever contestant on the Great British Bake Off in 2014, was in Scotland this week to promote Tearfund’s annual Big Bake.

The aid charity is encouraging people from all across the country to get baking to raise vital funds to help beat hunger.

Showing her support, Martha called on Stirling families to organise cake sales in their homes, schools, churches and workplaces to help Tearfund support communities worldwide who are struggling to get enough food to survive due to droughts and unpredictable weather patterns.

She said: “Everyone loves a good cake sale. And Big Bake is a great opportunity to do something fun and make a difference at the same time.

"Money raised from Big Bake this year will help Tearfund provide nutritious meals for children in communities devastated by drought. I hope many people in Stirling will roll up their sleeves and join us in baking an impact where it is needed most.”

Lynne Paterson, Tearfund’s Scotland Director, is hoping this year will be the best Big Bake to date.

She said: “In the Sahel region of Africa, there are currently 5.9million children who will suffer from acute malnutrition in 2016.

"Every £5 raised through Big Bake could provide a child with a nutritious meal every day for a month.

"Last year when people got involved we managed to raise a massive £70,000 for our work.

"We’re excited about the impact we can make together this year to transform the lives of many families around the world who are still trapped in poverty and experiencing very real hunger.

"So if you bake, or have ever baked, or just fancy trying your hand at it for a good cause, please join us. Your efforts will go a very long way.”

For more information visit www.tearfund.org/bigbake