Food News, with Sonja Karlsen

PEOPLE in the North have proved they are the ones having the last laugh when it comes to eating cakes.

In a new nationwide survey by Mr Kipling, four out of 10 people were found to be laughing longer, louder and more frequently than in the past.

And it appears to be people in the North who are proving that laughter is a piece of cake, with 30 per cent of those interviewed claiming they are laughing more than ever before -- labelling cake as the ultimate tummy tickler.

An often-colourful culinary delight, cake is seen as gentle and easy to eat due to its contrast of layers and textures that simply melt in the mouth.

It can also help to reduce stress, thereby relaxing people and bringing a smile to our faces.

Northerners voted Bramley Apple pies as their favourite cake, with more than 64 million Mr Kipling apple pies being sold every year.

People in the West appeared to have a taste for a more delicate variety -- the French Fancy -- and people in the South preferring a lighter more refreshing bite, opting for the Lemon Slice.

Cherry Bakewells also got a massive thumbs-up from everyone and have now become the official Red Nose cake as part of the Comic Relief day, which takes place on Friday, March 16.

Psychologist Dr David Lewis said: "A daily bout of belly laughter is your key to a healthier, longer and less-stressful lifestyle. "A good belly laugh releases chemicals into the bloodstream that makes you happier, cheerful, oxygenates the body and gives your whole body a massage from within.

"Food affects us both physically and emotionally. Because cakes are associated with happy occasions such as birthday parties, weddings and celebrations, they have a unique ability to trigger a smile.

"Of course, the tasty eating experience itself also has much to do with it."

Ricky Tomlinson, from the hit television comedy The Royle Family, agreed that laughter was good for us and said: "I certainly love a good belly laugh and Comic Relief always manages to achieve that. So if we can eat Mr Kipling cakes and raise money at the same time, that sounds good to me."

As the official sponsor of Comic relief, Mr Kipling has promised to donate 5p to the charity from every special edition pack of red nose cakes sold in the run up to red nose day 2001.

Since its launch in 1985 Comic Relief has raised over £174million to help some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the UK and Africa to help themselves.

Mr Kipling is hoping to raise a minimum of £250,000 this year.