The week is the brainchild of the The Real Bread Campaign which hopes to inspire people to don their aprons and start baking the kitchen staple with the help of a bread machine.

Chris Young, campaign organiser said: "Dusting off and plugging in your bread machine allows you to seize control of your daily bread, freeing you from reliance on factory loaves."

The campaign, which is backed by the Big Lottery Fund's Local Food programme, will start with the March launch of the National Real Bread Maker Week website where visitors can share tips, recipes and photos. There is also a chance to win a VIP pass to The Real Food Festival at Earl's Court, London, on 8 May.

Festival organiser Philip Lowery said: "Baking Real Bread in a machine with flour from an independent mill is a great way of supporting Britain's real food producers and knowing what your family is eating while keeping an eye on your budget."

The first national bread week will culminate with the festival where an expert panel of master bakers and celebrity chefs will judge a bread bake-off.