AFTER tantalising the taste buds of judges in a national competition a Leigh-based bakery has been named Champion Bakery of Britain 2001.

Waterfields Bakery beat off competition from nine other finalists in London last week, in the National Association of Master Bakers' competition.

Waterfields, along with the other finalists had to serve up nine separate items in the categories of bread, pastry and confectionary.

Company chairman Richard Waterfield said the win has made the firm's 75th anniversary this year all the more special.

He added: "All our winning products were taken straight from out normal production line, therefore, we have clearly demonstrated we are experts when it comes to making delicious quality bakery goods for our customers fresh each and every day which is a unique skill to the craft baker."

The company also walked away with a cheque for £1,000 and the prize for 'Best Celebration Cake'. The clean, uncluttered look of the cake impressed judges who were looking for a commercial product that would travel well and demonstrate an understanding for the latest cake decoration trends.

Waterfields Bakery operates 33 stores in the North West, including four in the Leigh area.

Mr Waterfield said: "It is all down to the dedication of all the staff from the bakery itself through to every store who all ensure that the customer is continually getting what they want."

Caption: Champion bakers Waterfields' chairman Richard Waterfield, quality controller Tony Robinson and Peter Fort (product development). NON