Darlington Bakerman crowned North East Bread Hero

Dan Booth, of Bakerman in Clark's Yard, Darlington, used his redundancy to kickstart his dream of opening his own bakery in the heart of the town last year.

And since successfully crowdfunding to set up the not-for-profit, community venture, he has gone from strength to strength.

Mr Booth now employs a number of staff and apprentice bakers, providing delicious baked goods.

The sourdough expert, whose previous job at Clervaux Artisan Bakery and Cafe on Coniscliffe Road was threatened last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has benefited from dedicated community support.

Read more: Darlington bakery opening in heart of town hopes to be heart of community

Dan Booth, of the Bakerman Bakery in Clark’s Yard. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Mr Booth can thank loyal customers for nominating him for the award. One nominator, Chris, said: "His dedication, and amazing work ethic is outstanding, and all achieved whilst in the midst of a global pandemic.”

In normal times, the Tiptree World Bread Awards celebrate the bread; loaves from around the country would be delivered for assessment by a panel of esteemed judges.

But due to the pandemic, and building on the great success of last year, the awards once again celebrated the UK’s Bread Heroes - the people behind the loaves: from farmers and millers, to bakers and educators.

Stephen Hallam, chairman of the judges, added: "All the nominees truly deserve recognition for their generous, considerate and often altruistic initiatives."

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