The race to crown The Northern Echo’s Best Bakery in Darlington and County Durham is now well and truly on.

With our ten finalists announced, we will be featuring each one of the next ten days – and readers can vote for their favourite to win.

Longstaff's Family Bakers, based in Bishop Auckland, has recently celebrated 30 years in business.

Read more: Traditional family bakery in running for Northern Echo best baker

Emma Longstaff, wife of baker David, said all their products were baked on site, with treats ranging from sweet to savoury.

She said: "We do pies, cream cakes, traditional fancies, as well as breads and sandwiches.

"People can literally see our bakers at work through our big window, and everything is made fresh every day.

"My husband David has been baking since he was 15 years old, starting as an apprentice baker in Sunderland where he learned his trade."

Emma used to work as a primary school teacher, but she gave it up to join the family business.

"It was the best decision I ever made," she said. "It is more hours and harder work but it is so rewarding. On a morning when the shelves are full and the shop is busy, we can stand back and know that we did all that.

To enjoy a subscription of The Northern Echo for just £3 for three months, click here

"We are like a family – most of our bakers have been with us from around 18 years, and the counter staff a similar amount of time.

"It is always a lovely atmosphere in here, and we have got to know lots of our customers really well.

"It all started with Dave, his knowledge and experience as a baker, and his high standards to uphold – but he is still learning and changing, and tries new ideas."

Read next:

David and Emma work long hours with their team of bakers, with David starting at 2am to 3am; Emma starting work at around 3.30am; and the shop opening at 8.30am.

Emma said: "We are all often here a good 12 hours later. that's just what it takes. He has to work at a really fast pace."

To vote for your favourite bakery, cut out the voting slip in The Northern Echo and return it by post to Suite 10, Second Floor, Coniscliffe House, Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, DL3 7EE.