A FAMILY bakery that has been serving the Bradford district and beyond for nearly a century is pleased to be in the running for a Telegraph & Argus award.

The T&A recently launched its Best Bakery 2024 competition, with readers invited to share their favourite businesses.

They certainly rose to the occasion as nominations came in thick and fast. 

Nominations were made through our online voting platform and were subsequently whittled down to the last 10.

Hughes Family Bakers, on Hirst Lane in Shipley, is one of those vying for top spot.

After first baking in 1925, generations later Hughes is still providing loaves, teacakes, fresh creams, and confectionery daily.

The wholesaler serves shops and supermarkets in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Director Phillip Hartley, who has worked at the company since 1985, was shocked to see Hughes make the final vote.

He said: "We were quite pleased and surprised (when being told they had made the final).

"We don't have a shop, we are a wholesaler. People buy our stuff in other people's shops.

"Rolls and fresh creams are the biggest lines.

"We sell to shops and supermarkets from the Bradford district and further afield."

Consistency is key for Hughes to ensure they maintain that loyalty with the customer.

Mr Hartley added: "The idea is to try maintain a good quality product that is consistent. People then start coming back.

"We are always trying to make it a cleaner product - less e-numbers etc.

"You can't work without the staff (of which they have 80 employees), so a big credit must go to them."

Nigel Burton, Telegraph & Argus editor, said: "The Bradford district is filled with brilliant bakeries.

"From traditional pies, pasties and sausage rolls, to mouth-watering sweet treats and freshly baked loaves of bread, bakers across Bradford always rise to the occasion." 

Don't miss out on your chance to shout up for your favourite bakery as part of our contest.

It really couldn't be simpler to vote for the establishment you think should win. 

All you need to do is fill out the voting form, which can be found in the Telegraph & Argus.

The voting coupon will run in the newspaper until Saturday, September 14, so there is plenty of opportunity to make sure the bakery you think is the best is in with a chance of taking the top spot.