A POPULAR Eden bakery is celebrating after its health and hygiene rating hit top marks.

Appleby Bakery’s Boroughgate-based shop was awarded five stars in Eden District Council's Scores On The Doors inspection, which rates businesses on food hygiene, cleanliness and management.

The company, which also has a store in Kirkby Stephen, celebrates its 25th birthday next month and has become a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike with its delicious cakes, pastries, sandwiches and deli products.

In 2007, owners Jackie Kirkpatrick and Carol Thornton achieved their life long dream of opening their own bakery and have proved so successful that they are now selling their produce in many high profile local outlets such as Cranstons, Westmorland Services and Rheged as well as respected food halls such as Fenwicks department store in Newcastle.

“We always work hard to ensure that our standards are excellent and we have spent a lot of time this year training staff to ensure that we are always of a five star standard,” said Ms Thornton. “We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award.”