IT was a cakewalk for Aulds as the Greenock bakery firm rose to the occasion and collected a big national award.

The firm received 800 votes from shoppers to take the Customer Choice Retail Craft Baker of the Year title.

Managing director Alan Marr says it is a great boost for his staff and has thanked all the people who voted for them.

He told the Telegraph: "It is always nice to have your efforts recognised, particularly by your customers, and we would like say a large thank you to everyone who voted for us.

"During these difficult times this award provides a lift in spirits for everyone."

The firm recently re-opened its Brisbane Street HQ with half their staff and introduced stringent new procedures to keep staff and customers safe.

Mr Marr said: "After such a tough few months, this is great news for the staff at Aulds and everyone working in our shops.

"It is a real bit of brightness in these dark days.

"It is good to know that so many of our customers rate us their favourite retail craft baker.

"We are really touched and we are looking forward to continuing to serve our community with freshly baked, quality produce for many more years to come.”

Alasdair Smith of Scottish Bakers, who organise the competition said the new customer choice category helped bakers to connect with their community.

He said: “We are delighted to have been able to give the public a say in 2020 with our new customer choice awards.

"It was a great opportunity for Scottish bakers to reach out to their customers and get people buzzing about great, traditional Scottish baking.

"Aulds Bakeries are a worthy winner of the Customer Choice Retail Craft Baker of the Year award sponsored by Puratos."

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FLOUR POWER: Staff Martha Gunn (front) and Hollie Batley show off some of the award-winning produce at Aulds