AMATEUR bakers can put their skills to the test at an annual competition in Longtown.

Independent food retailer Hopes of Longtown is holding its third annual Real Bread Baking competition to coincide with Real Bread Maker Week

There are five categories: Junior baker - under 16s; White loaf; Savoury loaf; Sweet loaf and Gluten-free loaf.

The winners will get a copy of Brilliant Bread by Great British Bake Off finalist James Morton.

One overall winner will also get the chance to choose an original baking picture by artist Kate Raggett.

Christine Hope from Hopes of Longtown said: “Hopes is proud to represent dozens of Herefordshire food and drink brands that started out small; this kind of activity is designed to inspire and give people the confidence to know they can create good food, whether it is for home consumption or, perhaps one day, local retail.

Loaves must be delivered into the Hopes of Longtown store by 4pm on Saturday, May 9 and will be on display until lunchtime the next day.