Top bakery joins the upper crust

The bakery supplies bread and cakes for Betty's Tea Rooms

A North Yorkshire bakery has been voted one of the best in the country at the 2004 Baking Industry Awards.

Betty's Craft Bakery in Harrogate has been awarded the prestigious title of Craft Bakery of the Year.

The Harrogate-based company uses traditional methods to supply Betty's Tea Rooms in Harrogate, York, Nothallerton and Ilkley.

"The award is a tribute to the hard work of all the team here at Betty's Bakery," said manager Caroline Grant.

Top baker

The craft bakery award was started in order to recognise companies that favour traditional methods over mass production.

Betty's was picked out in a field of more than 60 bakeries from across the country.

The company's bread is baked in traditional wood-fired ovens and it takes over two hours to decorate a batch of iced cakes.

In addition to the craft award, employee Joanne Sanderson was named Young Baker of the Year.

Mrs Grant said the team were "thrilled" for the 20-year-old former apprentice.