A GREENOCK bakery’s sweet treat took the biscuit as it triumphed at a major competition.

The perfect balance of icing and a jammy centre helped Aulds’ empire biscuit tantalise tastebuds at the Scottish Baker of the Year product judging day.

After a Masterchef-style taste test, expert judges gave the biscuit a fantastic highly-commended rating.

Fiona Phillips, development director of Aulds, was over-the-moon.

She said: “The empire biscuit is a lovely combination of biscuit, jam and icing so it’s a balance of different flavours.

“As a company we have always tried to use the very best ingredients so our products have real flavour and taste.

“We’re absolutely delighted that it was highly commended.” The empire biscuit was one of 600 bakery products which 20,000 customers from across Scotland voted for as their favourite tasty treats.

Fiona added: “Eleven of our products were voted through, including our morning and well-fired rolls, soda brown loaf and wholemeal loaf, as well as our fudge doughnut, strawberry tart, caramel shortcake, fruit scone, sausage roll and scotch pie.

“So we’re thrilled and we want to thank the customers who voted for these products.

“It’s also a credit to the staff that we can turn out such good products on a daily basis.” Alan Clarke, chief executive of Scottish Bakers, was impressed with the Greenock firm, which is based in Brisbane Street.

He said: “Scottish bakers have once again done us proud. We are very impressed with the high standard of the products they produce every day and to get a highly commended is recognition of the overall quality of the baking provided by the company.” TV judge and celebrity cake-designer Mich Turner MBE will be presenting the certificates at the Scottish Baker of the Year Awards next month.