The well-known bakers, Pledgers, in Kempston High Street have been recognised for their dedication to serving their customers during the present pandemic.
The Tiptree World Bread Awards Heroes with Brook Food held an online presentation evening on Tuesday, October 13.
Pledgers were named as runners up in the East of England category.
88-year-old, Sheila Pledger continues to work in the shop, as she has done for past 66 years.
She opens the shop at 5.30am, six days a week, serving her regular early morning customers, trades people and transport drivers.
Sheila started working in the bakery when she married her husband, who had started in the business two years previously.
Sheila wishes to acknowledge the support received from her son Chris Pledger and Paul Dennis who has been working with her for many years.
Paul is nearing retirement age. Sheila said that she could not run the shop without them, as they do the work in the back, while she works in the front.
Being in her 80s she has difficulty with standing for long periods these days!
