Scottish fans of the Great British Bake Off have been urged to rise to the challenge and put themselves forward for the new series of the show.

Applications for the 2018 edition of the Channel 4 programme, which will again be hosted by Prue Leith, Paul Hollywood, Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig, opened on Thursday.

If you are brilliant with brioche, marvellous with meringue or super with sponge now could be the time to put your skills to the test.

The show, which moved to Channel 4 from the BBC ahead of the recent series, is looking for a fresh batch of amateur bakers to enter the tent for the ninth series.

Bake Off's producers said: "If you or someone you know is ready to sieve the dream then why not take a whisk and apply now?"

If you fancy your chances of impressing the judges you can apply online at www.applyforbakeoff.co.uk, by phone on 0207 067 4837 or email applyforbakeoff@loveproductions.co.uk.

Deadline for all applications is Sunday, January 7.