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Who is Lee Banfield? Meet the new 2016 Great British Bake Off contestant

How will this year's oldest contestant fare against his fellow bakers?

Lee Bake Off

LEE Banfield is The Great British Bake Off's oldest contestant this year, at 67 years old.

He started life out as a builder, but had a change of direction in the 1980's and studied theology.

 Lee is this year's oldest Bake Off contestant
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Lee is this year's oldest Bake Off contestantCredit: PA:Press Association

Since then, he has worked as a pastor in various ministries and most recently in Bolton at the local church where he lives.

Lee initially started baking in 1984 following a back injury from playing cricket, since then he hasn't looked back.

A father of two with four young grandchildren, Lee said a particularly proud moment was when his grandson showed him a photo of a cake he had made for his girlfriend.

 How will Lee cope with the pressure of the tent?
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How will Lee cope with the pressure of the tent?Credit: PA:Press Association

We can expect Lee to excel in the show's 'signature bake' challenge, which sees the bakers try out their tried and tested home recipes on the judges.

He favours traditional baking methods and flavours including  cherry, hazelnut, vanilla and chocolate.

When not in the kitchen, Lee can usually be found spending time with his family or conducting services at his Bromley Cross church.

 This year's Great British Bake Off Cast
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This year's Great British Bake Off CastCredit: PA:Press Association

Sure to have the congregation behind him, since 2011 Lee has successfully managed to secure £23,000 of funding for a new heating system in the building.

Unlike many of his fellow contestants, Lee has not set up a social media page to showcase his work - yet..

The new series of The Great British Bake Off is set to air Wednesday 24th August at 8pm on BBC One.

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