The 15th annual championship is to be held in Carrbridge on October 12.

Carrbridge Community Council, who are organisers of the popular event, are now calling for entries from anyone who thinks they are worthy of claiming the world title and prestigious Golden Spurtle.

Restaurant and hotel chefs as well as guest house and B&B owners from across Scotland and further afield will be amongst the leading contenders.

But the contest is open to anyone who can make a champion bowl of porridge.

The title of world porridge making champion is awarded to the contender judged to have created the best traditional porridge using oatmeal and water.

As well as the coveted title, the winner of the competition, sponsored by Scotland's leading oatmeal producers, Hamlyns of Scotland, will receive a £350 hotel voucher and a cash prize of £250.

Contestants are also invited to enter the "speciality porridge" competition for porridge with other ingredients added.

The section has a cash prize of £150 while the winner also receives a special trophy named in memory of four-times world porridge making champion Duncan Hilditch, who lived in Carrbridge for many years.

Scott Bruce, chairman of Carrbridge Community Council, said that the village was delighted to host the championship which continues to go from strength to strength.

"This has become one of the top events on the food and drink calendar and has built up an international following, generating a huge amount of interest across the world," he said.

World Porridge Making Champion 2007 Maria Soep, who will be looking to defend her title in this year's competition,

The championship is followed by connoisseurs of the traditional dish across the globe.

This year's panel of judges is to be headed up by George McIvor and Colin Bussey of the Master Chefs of Great Britain.

They are to be joined by guest judge Tom Lewis, who is one of Scotland's foremost culinary experts.

Well-known from his TV involvement in the BBC2 "Great British Menu" series, Lewis is head chef at the Monachyle Mhor Hotel, set on the family-run farm in Perthshire.

He has picked up a string of awards for his daily changing menu based on fresh seasonal produce.

Among those who have already signed up to take part in this year's contest are 2007 champion Maria Soep, from the Roinebhal Country House at Kilchrenan in Argyll; speciality winner Al Beaton from the Porridge Bowl in Inverness, and newcomer Joanne Grice, who is breakfast chef at the Saint Anne's Inn and Spa, one of Canada's premier spas.

The championship starts off with a pipe band parade of competitors and judges along the main street, followed by the traditional 'Toast to the Porridge'.

Other events during the day include the Cairngorms Farmers Market, cookery demonstrations, live music and product tastings as well as the Carrbridge Challenge 5km and 3km Forest Run and minis fun run with fund-raising in aid of Maggie's Highland.

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