YORKSHIRE'S iconic cafe brand Bettys has scooped the title of Craft Business of the Year at a national baking award ceremony.

The Harrogate-based business, which has two sites in York, won the crown at the Baking Industry Awards in London.

In an age when traditional craft baking methods have largely given way to mass production, the ‘Craft Business of the Year’ category was set up to celebrate the best of Britain’s traditional skills.

Bettys Craft Bakery was recognised because of its commitment to quality and the fact that it preserves traditional baking and confectionery craft skills for future generations.

The achievement was recognised in front of more than 800 industry guests at a gala awards ceremony at London’s Park Lane Hilton, as Bettys was presented with the award by comedian and television star, Hugh Dennis.

The award was accepted by Paul Gray, bakery operations manager, who said: "Creativity and innovation are the lifeblood of our business. We preserve and nurture our craft techniques, focusing on skilled handmade and hand-finished products while remaining up to date with our technical expertise."

Bettys Craft Bakery general manager Caroline Grant added: "Our craft bakery is the only one of its kind in Britain. The ‘Craft Business of the Year’ award is a tribute to the hard work of all the team here at Bettys Bakery."