THOMAS the Baker, which has a shop in Skipton, is celebrating receiving the first ever three-star Great Taste award given to a sweet mince pie in the awards’ 25 history.

The bakery was awarded the award for its ‘heavenly sweet mince pie. It says only 205 of the 12,777 products entered into the awards, from 106 different countries, received the coveted 3-stars.

The ‘heavenly sweet’ mince pie was introduced into the range last year, after two years of development by the bakery team, says the business, which adds that the filling is a ‘winning combination of sweet mince with apricots and brandy and a couple of secret ingredients.’

And, the ‘all butter pastry shell has the addition of finely ground almonds for added taste and texture and the pie is finished off with a tender Viennese Biscuit topping’.

Judges comments included: “This is a mince pie of true delight that has been made with great skill.”

It also received a one star award for its Bakewell muffins.