BOLD bakers and budding cake tasters in Stirling are being encouraged to put their skills to the test and raise funds for cancer patients.

Beatson Cancer Charity this week teamed up with baking superstar Helen Vass to launch its latest fundraising campaign the 'Big Beatson Bake Off'.

People are being encouraged to get together with friends, family or colleagues and serve up everything from buns and baps, cupcakes and cookies to flans and fruitcakes while raising as much as possible for the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and related facilities.

Helen, a pastry chef at The Tree Chimneys restaurant in Skye, said: “I am honoured to be fronting Beatson Cancer Charity’s Big Beatson Bake Off as my father had been looked after at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre before he passed away.

“We all know someone who has been affected by cancer in some way and understand how difficult the journey can be.

“Beatson Cancer Charity really goes above and beyond to provide patients and their families with support in so many different ways, and I would like to recognise the poignant work they do to help everyone, no matter what stage they are at in their journey.

“It really doesn’t matter if you’re a star baker or guilty of turning out a few soggy bottoms, I would like to encourage as many people as possible to roll up their sleeves and get baking for The Beatson Cancer Charity – let’s fundraise for this fantastic charity together.”

Kits are available to help with events – visit bigbeatsonbakeoff.org, email events@beatsoncancercharity.org or call 0141 212 0505.