An independent artisan bakery in Southwold is celebrating after being short-listed for a national food award.

Two Magpies, in High Street, was one of only four independent retailers in the region to make the final short-list in the best independent retailer category of the Observer Food Monthly Awards.

It is one of only four independent retailers in the region to make the short list, which also include Macarons & More boutique bakery in Watton, Norfolk, Gog Magog Hills farm shop in Cambridge and Alder Carr Farm Shop in Creeting St Mary, near Ipswich.

It was beaten to the top spot by Keelham Farm Shop near Bradford, Yorkshire.

The bakery, which is run by Jim and Rebecca Bishop, was nominated by its customers and asked to send some of its products to a selection panel in London.

The couple worked through the night to prepare Broadside bread pudding – made with Adnams ale, and apple, and Stilton and walnut sourdough – which was sent by courier to London the same morning to ensure it was as fresh as possible when it reached the judges.

Mr Bishop said: 'It feels great to be short listed. We have only been open seven months so to have that accolade already is fantastic. Next year we are going for first place.

'Another great thing is that it was voted for by our customers so it shows we are doing something right and they appreciate us.'

The annual awards are run in association with the Observer newspaper's free monthly food magazine and are voted for by readers. They are designed to celebrate the very best in British food and drink from grass-root producers to the most celebrated chefs.