Home baking is becoming more popular among amateur chefs, and not just as a result of the recession, according to a spokesperson for National Baking Week.

Chef Rosemary Shrager of School for Cooks said home baking is certainly a more cost-effective way to eat than buying items in shops, but people are also becoming more educated about baking and food in general.

She commented: "Plus, I think it’s so important that we teach our children that cakes and biscuits don’t come from packets - they come from the heart.

"And that makes them better for you in every way."

Ms Shrager went on to say that the best way to get stuck into home baking is to just give it a try, without worrying about making anything fancy or neat - fairy cake, brownies and scones are all easy to make.

National Baking Week runs between October 19th and the 25th and aims to encourage all of Britain to get baking and sharing what they make.