A BAKER from Herefordshire is celebrating after being named a finalist for Baker of the Year.

Peter Doughty-Cook, from Peter Cooks Bread at Bishop's Frome, is a finalist in the Baking Industry Awards' Baker of the Year.

The competition celebrates the best breadmakers and bakers from across the country.

Peter Cooks Bread, in the village near Bromyard, has been open for eight years, serving a core selection of rye-based bread and other products.

The bakery’s Wild Hops & Barley Loaf took home the title of Britain’s Best Loaf in 2020.

New lines include an extensive vegan range, red pepper, feta and caramelised onion danish and sunshine tea loaf made with organic ciabatta flour.

The judges in the competition tasted two of the most recent introductions in the shop, a honey, mint and courgette focaccia and a chocolate and custard cruffin, with one judge saying: "I could have eaten that cruffin all day".

Speaking after being nominated, Mr Cook said: "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 Peter Cooks Bread.

"Firstly we were shortlisted for a judges visit and then, when they came to the bakery to judge, we were judged on every aspect of the business."

He went on to thank his staff and customers for their efforts and support to make the business a success.

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

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

"This is a massive slap on the back for the whole team at the bakery.

"We’ve all put in a huge amount of work in the last couple of years and this recognition couldn’t have come at a better time."