PEOPLE love to bake along to the Great British Bake Off but the North-East has star bakers of its own, with people of all ages serving up treats to members of the community during the pandemic.

Today, May 17, is National Baking Day, an annual event where people are encouraged to bake for family, friends and neighbours. 

While most people get their baking fix from the popular TV show, today is a day to turn to your own kitchen instead of the Bake Off tent. 

Some North-East residents have spent the pandemic whisking up treats for loved ones and strangers alike as a thank you for hard work and community spirit during the pandemic. 

Let's take a look back at some wholesome stories:

Baking bread for the street 

In March 2020 Jamie Johnson, who lives in Caldwell Green, Darlington, posted a letter to all of his neighbours telling them that if they needed medication or food he would go out and get it for them.

He also bought a floodlight, which shines a blue light on his house in support of NHS workers.

Mr Johnson, who is a manager at a local convenience store, had people give donations for the ingredients for the bread but instead directed them to a food bank.

Speaking to The Northern Echo at the time, he said: "If anyone is wanting to donate they can do and all money raised will be going to Kings Church Food Bank. I will create a massive food hamper with all the donations."

Cakes and puzzles from retirement home staff 

Kind-hearted staff at a Darlington retirement home decided to extend their hand of friendship to their neighbours last May.

Housekeepers Jenna Elliott and Sue Robson who work at The Abbeyfield Society in Ashcroft Road, baked cakes and organised puzzles and games for elderly residents who live at ED Walker Homes, a few hundred yards away.

Speaking at the time, Kathryn MacColl, general manager, said: “It’s really important we all look after each other at this particular time and the staff came up with the great idea of helping out at ED Walker Homes with a few goodies.

"We want to support everyone in and around the community and particularly those on their own."

Youngster wins young heroes award for charity bake off competition 

The top spot in the Teesdale Young Heroes Award, organised by Durham Constabulary to recognise young people going above and beyond for their communities, went to Ethan Fletcher who organised his own bake off competition for Cancer Research UK.

Ethan organised everything from booking his village hall to approaching local businesses for prizes and raised more than £600 for the charity.

He has also raised £300 for Heel & Toe, a charity that supports children with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities, which he has used in the past.

Macmillan Cancer Support gets cash boost from girl's baking

An eight-year-old gir raised £690 for a cancer charity through cake sales in March.

Ava Rooney of Brandon, near Durham, decided to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support after she had found out her nana Mags was diagnosed with lung cancer.

She first made and sold Easter egg cheesecakes, raising £40, but decided she wanted to "go bigger and make even more money".

She set about making Easter egg cheesecakes and scones while family members baked fairy cakes and pies.

Mum Carol Rooney said at the time: “When I rang Macmillan and told them how much she had made they were amazed. Apparently, that pays for a Macmillan nurse for one whole week."

Football to afternoon tea donations 

A Darlington football coach who raised funds for food parcels for the elderly community in January began putting together afternoon tea boxes and a pen-pal scheme.

Nathan Beadle, head coach for Darlington Spraire Lasses, came up with the idea after going for a local afternoon tea for his girlfriend's birthday.

The coach is now pairing up young players with elderly people in a pen-pal scheme, and donating afternoon tea.