I was a child of the Eighties and even then home baking was a dying art.

I have fond memories of my mum's recipe book, now falling to pieces through over-use.

She made it at school and it is stuffed full of cuttings with instructions on everything from boiling potatoes to recipes for childhood favourites such as cornflake crunchies and gingerbread men.

It is a shame to think children growing up today will miss out on the delights of a warm, steamy kitchen full of the delicious aroma of baking and the thrill of being allowed to lick out the mixing bowl.

-Lorraine Forbes, Belmore Road, Eastbourne