One of the youngest contestants to be confirmed as part The Great British Bake Off’s line-up is hoping to be crowned this year’s winner.

20-year-old Henry Bird, a former student from Chigwell School, will be on of 13 bakers to battle it out the hit TV show’s tenth series.

His love of all things culinary began when he was 12, after the iconic Bake Off tent pitched up at Valentines Manion in Redbridge.

When asked about making it on to the show, Mr Bird said: “I have wanted to get into the tent since series two.

“They filmed it at the end of my road, so I used to see Paul Hollywood when I walked past the tent to go to school in the mornings, so I really got into it. To be inside the actual tent was totally wonderful.”

He added: “On the first day of filming, I told Paul that I remembered him filming for series two we had a chat about that and shared our memories of that time.

“So he knew I had come full circle and was now in the Tent, and that was pretty special.”

The baking enthusiast began experimenting with his cooking skills on his family, friends and teachers, using elegant, delicate styles whilst combing several flavours.

Now studying for an English Literature degree at Durham University, Mr Bird now offers his latest cakes, pastries and patisserie creations to his house mates.

“There are lots of people in the choir at University who knew that I applied but don’t know that I got on.” he explained.

As part of one of the one of the upcoming weekly tasks on this year show, the bakers were asked to create a cake reflecting one of their happiest memories.

When asked what young Bake Off contestant’s creation would be, he said: “One of the most lovely days I had at Uni was this year, we had an end of year party, where everyone was themselves and totally relaxed.

“So it would be quite a busy chaotic cake flavoured with alcohol to represent the party, so perhaps a kahlua coffee drizzle and vodka buttercream icing.”

Henry’s former headteacher at Chigwell School, Michael Punce offered his congratulations to the popular Head of the School pupil who left in 2017.

He is a very bright young man, for a large part of his time in school he was always willing to sample his cooking. He very much enjoyed his baking.

“When a member of staff who was much loved left Henry appeared with a magnificent cake he had baked for him.

“Based on what I have tasted I think he will win. I think it shows that if you have got a passion in something and you work hard the sky is the limit.”

Professor Joe Elliott, Principal of Collingwood College, Durham University, also wished Henry good luck on the show, saying: “We are sure that Henry will have the recipe for success in this year’s Great British Bake Off.

“From biscuits to bread, tarts to terrines, pastry to pavlovas, we wish him all the luck, and hope he manages to avoid any soggy bottoms!”

The Great British Bake Off’s tenth series will return on Tuesday, August 27, on Channel 4, 8pm.