A Bolton bakery famous for creating employment for ex-convicts is celebrating its success in The Great Taste Awards.

HMPasties received one star, meaning 'delicious', for its Jerk Chicken pie when the results were released on August 1.

The Bolton bakery, which is based on Norris Street, was set up by Lee Wakeham because he missed the pasties he ate when he grew up in Cornwall.

It is famous for creating employment for ex-convicts, of which the owner is one, in an attempt to help these ex-criminals to turn their lives around.

It received recognition in The British Pie Awards last year and this year and last week, in The Great Taste Awards, it received one star for its Jerk Chicken pie – an accolade achieved by around a quarter of the entries to the awards.

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Lee said: "We are really, really delighted. We made the Jerk Chicken from the beginning and it is the first time we've earned recognition for it. 

"The Great Taste Awards are a big deal so to get a star on the first time we've entered it is a big achievement for all of the guys in the kitchen.

"We use a local business, DevilDog Sauces, who make the Jerk Rub for us so it is a collaboration with another local business. 

"We are really, really pleased."

Lee said the secret to the success is a recipe he described as "authentic" and "traditional" with twists like turmeric to make the pastry pop with yellow.

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He said: "I was someone who loved pasties and I couldn't get a good pasty up here. Well, in my opinion, I couldn't get a good pasty up here compared to the ones I grew up eating in Cornwall. 

"I started making my own and here I am with a multi-award-winning pasty and pie business. 

"We are making and selling around 6000 pasties and pies per week which is insane, really. 

"It wasn't part of the plan."

John Farrand, managing director of The Guild of Fine Food, said: "Congratulations to the producers who have been awarded Great Taste stars with their outstanding food and drink.

"Every year, we welcome new and established producers making fantastic products around the world and this year has been no exception. The breadth and quality of food and drink has been outstanding and we wish everyone who entered huge success and hope they find the feedback from our expert judging panel beneficial as they continue in their onward journey."

For information on The Great Taste Awards go to greattasteawards.co.uk.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.