POUNDBAKERY staff in Bolton were delighted earlier this week, when their area manager surprised them with a brilliant 'Masked Singer' style performance.

Workers at the Newport Street branch of the popular bakery were greeted by the chain's mascot 'Mr Tasty' on Tuesday morning, who gave them a performance in front of passersby.

Jake Corrigan decided to do the surprise to help cheer up staff, and with The Masked Singer final this weekend, decided on that as his theme.

The ITV show features celebrities who perform anonymously in elaborate head-to-toe costumes and are unmasked if they receive the fewest votes.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Mel B, Glenn Hoddle and Sir Lenny Henry are among the celebrities to have been unmasked on the show this series.

Jake said: "I just thought we are in a dark period of our lives at the minute and it has been like this for a while. The staff - not just at our stores but across the country - are doing a fab job.

"Day in day out, they are doing their job, serving customers and really are the unsung heroes of the pandemic.

"I have been with Poundbakery since I was 16 and just thought why not - it just cheered them up."

Jake performed Snow Patrol's 2006 hit Chasing Cars, to help fit into the Valentine's period.

Poundbakery marketing manager Keely Silvester said “We were so excited to help Jake put this together. Our staff have been brilliant throughout the pandemic and we were more than happy to help bring a bit of fun and laughter to what has been quite a difficult year for so many.

"Jake couldn’t have timed it better too – who wouldn’t want to be serenaded by a mystery man around Valentine’s Day?”

Jake added: "I think they guessed that it was me about three seconds before I took the mask off, but it was worth it to see their faces at the end.

"It was something to do that was fun and different - now back to the day job."

The Masked Singer UK final airs Sunday at 7pm on ITV.