AN organic bakers is celebrating after receiving an industry stamp of approval.

The Authentic Bread Company in Newent has been granted an 'A' grade after being inspected by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

The BRC are recognised as the leading trade association for the food industry.

Their accreditation is required for a company to be able to trade with the majority of British retailers.

Alan Davis, who runs the firm with his wife Jane, said that the accreditation from the BRC was vital for the firm's success.

He said: "The BRC is regarded as the benchmark for the best practice in the food industry, the majority of UK and many European and Global retailers will only consider business with suppliers who have gained BRC Certification.

"It's an amazing achievement for a small local company."

He added: "This really is a very high standard to achieve of food safety, you have to be operating at the very highest standards of food safety in all aspects."

The news is just the latest in a long history of successes for the company.

It was started in 1995 by the former BT engineer and his wife. It looks to use its ingredients locally wherever possible.

The flour comes from Shipton Mill, its eggs from farmers in Highleadon – just on its doorstep – and fruit and vegetables are sourced from Flights of Ledbury.

They began by producing bread products in their garage, and have now grown to become the largest bakery in the Forest of Dean area.

The company now turns over in excess of half a million pounds a year.