A charity bake-off has gained the support of one of the inspirations for the project.

Kate Kellaway-Moore is hoping to get about 100 eager bakers to take part in the Oxford Bake-Off, after being inspired by hit BBC2 television show The Great British Bake-Off.

Now one of the series’ presenters, bread maestro Paul Hollywood, has put his backing behind the scheme.

He said: “I’m convinced you will find a star baker among your contestants for these worthy causes, what a great idea. Switch your ovens on, get your aprons at the ready.... Ready, steady...Bake!”

Miss Kellaway-Moore, 23, is hoping to raise in the region of £1,000 for Oxfam, breast cancer charity Coppa Feel and the Oxford Rape Crisis Centre at the event at Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate’s, on Saturday, March 24.

She said: “It’s very exciting to have such support.”

Since the contest was announced, Miss Kellaway-Moore has been inundated with people hoping to run stalls at the event and wanting to take part.

She said: “Everyone’s getting excited about what they will be entering.

“I knew they were out there but it’s great that they are flocking in and hopefully getting in some practice as well.”

The categories have been confirmed as tea-time showstopper, luscious loaves, perfect pie, gorgeous gluten-free and junior bake-off, and there will be individual challenges in each section.

Judges will be cookbook writer Kate Shirazi, Pie Minister managing director John Simon, baking teacher Maria Mayerhofer and local television presenter and cook Lottie Duncan.

Once the judging is done, there will be a ‘great cake sell-off’ at 2pm on the day.

To further boost funds, a recipe book featuring contributions from baking legends including Sue McMahon and Sophie Conran has been produced, which will be sold for £5.

The aim is to make the event a day out for the family, with workshops, stalls and demonstrations.

The logistics of catering for up to 100 amateur bakers at the Town Hall on the day means contestants will do the stirring, mixing and baking at home and drop their finished products off on the day, rather than cooking ‘live’ at the event.

Online entries open next Wednesday through the website oxfordbakeoff.wordpress.com