PIZZA manufacturer Stateside Foods is a finalist in the "Bakery Food Manufacturer of the Year" Awards.

The annual ceremony, which is the baking industry's equivalent of the Oscars, will be held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on September 24.

Several leading figures in the baking industry will judge the contest, which will be hosted by TV personality Angela Rippon.

Guy Sabini, UK sales and marketing director at the Wingates-based company, said: "This is the first time Stateside Foods has participated in this prestigious awards ceremony. We will be amongst three finalists seeking 'gold' in the manufacturers' category.

"The company has made its mark in the UK baking industry over the last few years and is now successfully exporting products to 15 European countries.

"We believe the time is now right to gain recognition for our hard work."

Established in 1990, Stateside Foods employs 500 people and has a turnover of £22 million.

The company is privately owned and has offices in Bolton and Skelmersdale. Clients include Safeway, Morrisons, Asda, Tesco and Budgens.