A Saffron Walden-based food journalist has released a book aimed at helping men to grasp the basics of baking.

Andrew Webb, who lives at Newport Road, has brought out The Men’s Baking Manual. which is a Haynes step by step guide for men who want to master essential baking techniques.

With the success of the Great British Bake Off, more men than ever before are taking up the pastime and a recent survey suggested more than 250,000 men now bake from scratch at least once a week.

Author Andrew says the BBC programme has led to something of a renaissance in baking.

He said: “The power of Bake Off is remarkable. These days, you hear guys talking about what they made last week down the pub, and five to ten years ago that would have been unthinkable.

“A lot of men have been inspired by the programme, and the book is aimed at younger guys, or dads who really want to get into baking.

“The majority of recipe books and other resources out there assume a pre-existing level of technical skill and know-how. But many people are starting to take up the hobby and require something a bit different, and a bit more methodical.”

The food journalist’s new title follows on from The Men’s Pie Manual, which was released last year, and Food Britannia, which won The Sunday Times Food Book of the Year in 2011.

Andrew is also currently writing his fourth book, The Meat Manual, which he is hoping will come out in June 2016.

He said: “All the Haynes manuals are written for people who want to have a go and get cracking. My first book was really a love letter to British pies and this one looks at everything baking.

“There is something wonderfully British about cake and it’s fantastic to see that coming back. I was at an event at my child’s school recently and the amount of people who brought cakes in was amazing. People are really enjoying the art of baking.

“Saffron Walden is a very foody town, and we are very lucky to have some excellent local produce to call on for recipes. The book will make a fantastic Christmas present for someone who wants to be the next Bake Off star.”

The Men’s Baking Manual is priced at £22.99 and is available from www.haynes.co.uk.

The Reporter has three copies of The Men’s Baking Manual to give away to three lucky readers. To be in with a chance of winning, just tell us the name of Andrew’s book which won the The Sunday Times Food Book of the Year in 2011.

Send your answer, along with your name, address and telephone number to Men’s Baking Manual competition, Saffron Walden Reporter, 54 High Street, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1EE, or email editor@saffronwalden-reporter.co.uk.

The closing date is Friday, December 4. Usual Archant rules apply. Editor’s decision final.