Everyone reckons that their mother's recipe for Yorkshire puddings is the best.

The ingredients are a closely-guarded secret and by tradition are passed down from generation to generation.

But it would seem that home-made versions of the world-famous pud - one of the region's most popular dishes - are being replaced with frozen ones.

It might be a traditional accompaniment to a Sunday dinner, but the pudding is also a common culinary disaster for too many cooks.

And, according to a recent survey people, are opting for the ready-made kind because they are quicker and easier - and they always rise.

Ian Hewson, chef at The Apperley Manor, Apperley Bridge, said it was a shame the home-made Yorkshire pudding was being replaced with the frozen kind.

"I suppose it will be for convenience but when you make it yourself it's so much nicer," he said.

Ian has developed his own recipe for the perfect pudding which rises every time but he said it takes practice and patience.

"I initially got a recipe from my mum but now I have to make up enough batter for about 60 or 70 puddings and I tend to gauge it by the consistency."

Robert Fry, head chef at Clark's restaurant, Highgate, Heaton, Bradford, urged Bradfordians to get making their own.

"They're much nicer and you know exactly what's in them," he said.

"I got my recipe from my boss Brian Clark who has mastered them and they are perfect every time. But all I can say is practice makes perfect."

Keith Joplin, president of Cleckheaton Chamber of Trade, organised Yorkshire Pudding day and a competition in the town last year.

"Everyone in Yorkshire should know how to make Yorkshire pudding and we should try to keep the tradition alive," he said.

"The humble Yorkshire pudding has been an ambassador for the county for as long as we can remember and wherever you go if you mention you're from Yorkshire people instantly associate it with the pudding."

According to the survey conducted by Yorkshire Electricity, the preparation of the pudding was the main thing that puts people off.

Sue Amies King, YE marketing manager said: "Everyone had a view and it seemed that the search for the perfect pud often led to the freezer counter at the supermarket."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.