Bake Off's John hopes to 'do West Midlands proud'

John Mincher, from Willenhall, said he was doing the show for his nan

A Great British Bake Off contestant from the West Midlands has said he wants to "do the region proud" as he takes on the tent in this year's show.

Over the summer, John Mincher, from Willenhall, near Wolverhampton, was one of 12 competitors who battled it out for the favour of judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.

The 37-year-old directorate support manager for the NHS said he applied to the show for his nan, who first got him into baking.

Contestants will take part in cake week during the first episode of the 15th series, which will air at 20:00 BST on Tuesday on Channel 4.

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Speaking ahead of the show's premiere, Mr Mincher said it was "incredible" to take part.

"I can't really explain it," he said.

"Until you've actually stood in the tent and you are staring up at Paul and Prue about to taste your baking - no one can put that into words."

Contestants will take on cake week during the first episode of the show on Tuesday

He added: "Being able to say forever that I am a Bake Off contestant is incredible.

"There's not many of us and it's something that I will cherish for the rest of my life."

Mr Mincher said he bonded with presenter Alison Hammond, who grew up in Kingstanding, Birmingham.

"It was lovely to have Aiison in there as someone else from the West Midlands," he said.

"But, as the only baker for the West Midlands, I really want to do the region proud because I love where I'm from."

In week one, Mr Mincher said his showstopper bake was inspired by his passion for shopping.