A HEREFORDSHIRE baker has been shortlisted for a national award for his products.

Peter Cook, of Peter Cooks Bread in Bishops Frome, is a finalist in the Baking Industry Awards' Baker of the Year for 2022.

The bakery has been based at the Hop Pocket, near Bromyard, since 2014, moving to bigger premises as it expanded in 2018.

The judges tasted two of the most recent products - a honey, mint and courgette focaccia and a chocolate custard cruffin. "I could have eaten that cruffin all day", said one of the judges.

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The panel said that Mr Cook has embedded a greater pace of innovation and product development to complement his core rye-based range and to make sure customers keep coming back for more.

The bakery had previously been recognised by the Baking Industry Awards panel when its wild hops and barley loaf took home the title of Britain’s Best Loaf in 2020.

It has also been awarded two Great Taste Awards in 2018. Firstly, its spelt and honey sourdough won the top prize of three stars, with its best-selling Ledbury loaf also scooping two stars.

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Peter Cook said: "It is an honour to be picked as a finalist.

"The Baking Industry Awards are the 'Oscars' for the whole industry; from multinational industrial bakeries, and supermarkets, all the way across to small, independent artisan bakeries like ourselves.

Mr Cook was quick to praise his team for the effort that led to his nomination as a finalist .

"The title may be for Baker of the Year, but this is really for the whole team, the bakers, pastry team, drivers and the office team.

"They really are the best and work hard every day to get the best possible bread and pastries out to our fantastic customers."