CAKE lovers rejoice, its time to turn up the heat and get the sweet treats rolled out for a charity's big birthday.

Bolton Hospice is on the hunt for people in Bolton to bake up a storm for their Bake-a-thon this spring.

The hospice want as many people as possible to get involved on April 5 with anything from batches of bake sales, competitive cake eating to enjoying a pint, pies and peas in the the local.

Now in its seventh year, the fundraiser coincides with the hospice's 25th anniversary celebrations.

Kathryn Willett, community fundraiser, said: "The Bake-a-thon is all about getting our community baking to help raise funds for the hospice.

"As a local charity, the hospice needs to raise around £3.2 million every year to continue to provide their specialist care and support for free – that’s around £8,800 every single day!

"From bake sales with friends to cake eating competitions at work – there are numerous ways you can take part and support the Bake-a-thon!"

The Bake-a-thon has raised nearly £20,000 for the hospice to date, an equivalent of 1,250 hours of nursing care at the charity which has cared for nearly 10,000 people in its lifetime.

Fortunately bakers do not have to be a Nadia Hussain or Paul Hollywood to take part, anyone is welcome to give it a try - soggy bottoms included.

In fact, there will be no wrathful gaze from Mary Berry if participants decide to buy in their goodies.

Cake & Decorate, in Corporation Street, is getting behind the event by offering customers a discount and free cake tin hire to all who sign up to the Bake-a-thon.

Gemma Hadley, owner of Cake and Decorate, said: "We're thrilled to be supporting the Bolton Hospice Bake-a-thon this year!

"We are offering all bake-a-thon participants 15 per cent off everything in our shop to help them on the way to perfect cupcakes or squidgy brownies. "You don’t need to be a perfect baker, just willing to give it a go!"

Those who want to take part will also be provided with a fundraising pack full of things to help organise a bake-a-thon when they sign up.

For more information and to sign up, visit www.boltonhospice.org.uk, email fundraising@boltonhospice.org or call the fundraising team on 01204 663 055.