PROVING that its freshly baked loaves are a cut above the rest, Keelham Farm Shop in Skipton is celebrating a trio of top industry accolades.

Despite being open only a few months, the farm shop bakery, which produces more than 300 loaves and buns on site every day, has picked up two prestigious World Bread Awards and the top prize at the country's biggest baking exhibition.

Bakery manager Sandor Bagameri was the toast of the recent annual Cake and Bake event held in Manchester, coming first in the adult category of the ‘bake’ competition for his new creation, the Tipsy Pig Ale and Rye Sourdough.

The simple yet flavoursome recipe, which features Keelham’s own-brand ale, proved a hit with the judges and will be stocked on Keelham’s shelves at Skipton from this week.

Sandor, who has more than 20 years experience in the baking industry, was presented his award by competition judges and TV favourites, MasterChef’s Greg Wallace and Celebrity MasterChef winner Lisa Faulkner.

Keelham’s award wins have been on the rise in recent weeks, having also picked up silver and bronze awards for its rye sourdough and caramelised onion loaf at the Tiptree’s World Bread Awards which took place in London last month.

Sandor currently oversees the production of more than 300 loaves and rolls at the Skipton store, on the outskirts of town on Gargrave Road, next to the A65/A59 Little Chef roundabout.

“This is the first year we’ve entered our breads for industry awards so to have won recognition from our peers is just fantastic," he said.

"There’s nothing quite like the smell and taste of a freshly baked loaf and our range is extremely popular with customers. The Tipsy Pig and Rye Sourdough is our latest creation and it’s brilliant that the industry experts have given their seal of approval, even before it hits the shelves.”

Victoria Robertshaw, joint owner with her brother, James, of Keelham Farm Shop, said: “The bakery at our Skipton shop has only been open a few months so to get this recognition is fantastic. I’m extremely proud of Sandor and the bakery team. We’ve won many awards for our butchers and meat produce, and it’s great that our bread is now having its moment in the spotlight.”