STAFF at Merryhatton Garden Centre are pulling on their oven gloves to take up a charity challenge.

The garden centre, near East Fortune, is encouraging people to come along and sample some of the goods, which have a Great British Bake Off theme.

Charlie Hutchison, head chef, said they were always looking for ways to raise money for East Lothian Young Carers, the garden centre’s charity of the year.

He said: “Because Merryhatton is well known locally for cakes and home baking, when we heard the new series of The Great British Bake Off was about to start, it seemed the perfect opportunity use our baking skills to raise money for East Lothian Young Carers.

“We’re now in the third week of our challenge and have had loads of support from our customers, who’ve been very happy to eat cakes and biscuits to help our charity!” The garden centre cafe is following the themes from the popular BBC show, with bread week taking centre stage at the moment.

Meanwhile, the garden centre is hosting a junior bake-off next weekend (September 5/6).

All entrants need to do is decorate six cupcakes and bring them to the garden centre, with judging taking place at 3pm on September 6. Entry is £2, which goes to East Lothian Young Carers.

Helen MacDonald, Merryhatton owner, said: “We really hope that lots of people will get involved over the next few weeks, either by buying our Bake Off themed home baking in the cafe, or taking part in our Junior Bake Off competition.

“East Lothian Young Carers is a great local charity that does essential work for lots of children and young people across the county. The more we can raise to support all that they do the better.” For more info, go to www.merryhatton.co.uk