FARMERS across Dorset and the south west region are hoping for a boost as the presenter of a popular television show returns with an important message: Back British.

New presenter of the Great British Bake Off Prue Leith is urging shoppers to back British farming when it comes to buying items to make their own versions of the sweet treats they see on the show.

It comes as the NFU reveals that eight major British retailers are backing British baking by sourcing 100 per cent of their flour, butter and eggs from domestic producers.

The UK’s four largest retailers Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA and Morrisons are joined by the Co-op, Waitrose, Lidl and Marks and Spencer in demonstrating their commitment to British baking by giving shoppers the choice of home-grown flour, butter and eggs to use in their baked goods.

In addition, Asda, Marks and Spencer and Morrisons are going further by showing total commitment to backing British sugar beet growers by sourcing Silver Spoon granulated, caster and icing sugar in their stores.

A survey has shown that baking is more popular than ever, with 19 per cent of people saying they now bake at least once a week and nearly half baking more than they did five years ago.

NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “It is fantastic to see more retailers than ever committing to British farming and supporting them on the shelf-edge. British food is produced to some of the highest standards in the world and deserves to be widely available.

“We know that shoppers want to buy more British produce and the aim of our supermarket guide is to give them the information they need to do that. I’m sure the public will be delighted to know that retailers are giving them the opportunity to buy more British products by getting behind the nation’s farmers.”

Prue Leith, long-time supporter of the NFU’s Back British Farming campaign and new presenter of the Great British Bake Off, also urged shoppers to buy British: “UK butter, flour and eggs are all easily available and choosing them really helps our fantastic farmers. So let’s make the effort to buy British.”

Mr Raymond added: “The overall message is to buy British and the NFU’s supermarket guides aim to help provide that information. Already, six brands have signed up to the Back British Farming charter and we would like to see more do the same.

“The commitment to British food is trending upwards but there is still room for improvement by all retailers, across all sectors. The NFU is engaging with all retailers to achieve this.

“I encourage everyone to look out for the Red Tractor logo to ensure their food is produced to the highest standards and welfare, and can be traced back to a British farm.”