NINETIES British bhangra star Apache Indian has offered to be the prize for a baking challenge to raise money for young people’s charity St Basil’s which works in Bromsgrove.

The singer who had hits throughout the nineties with songs including ‘Boom shak-a-lak’ has offered himself up as a prize for whoever manages to raise the most money in the charity’s ‘Baking Power’ challenge.

St Basil’s runs supported accommodation in Bromsgrove for young people from 16 to 25, as well as a private rental scheme and courses to help teach young residents life skills such as cooking and budgeting so that when they move on they will be able to live independently.

Head of fundraising and communications, Barrie Hodge, said: “Baking Power is a competition anyone can get involved in. The only brief is that the fundraiser you organise must involve some sort of baked product. Everything else is up to you. As a thank you the individual, school and company who raise the most will all win a performance from ‘Apache Indian’, so get your kids, friends or colleagues involved and help bring about real change in your local community. Rise up and bake for St Basils.”

Apache Indian visited St Basils accommodation projects recently to meet with young residents and find out more about the charity. He added: “It was great to be able to finally visit St Basils. I have heard about the charity for many years but didn't really realise the work they do. The support, care and extra care that St. Basils provide for young people is truly amazing and inspiring to see. St Basils is a very well run operation with every last detail taken into consideration to insure that the young homeless are kept off the streets and cared for. Life changing.”

“People should rise up and Bake for St Basils and get involved with this baking competition because it's a fun and exciting way to raise money for a great charity. And, I'm coming to meet the winners to have some fun and sing some songs.”

For more information about how people can join in with the Baking Power challenge, visit stbasils.org.uk/bakingpower where it’s also possible to register for the challenge.