A baker from Rickmansworth has been recognised for innovation in the Baking Industry Awards 2014 - the industry’s equivalent of the Oscars - by inventing what is claimed to be Britain’s best shortcrust pastry while appearing on television.

Paul Barker, owner of Cinnamon Square bakery and coffee shop in Church Street, Rickmansworth, received The Innovation Award for his delicacy which he devised as a regional finalist in the ITV series, Britain’s Best Bakery. 

His achievements were recognised last night (Sunday) in front of more than 800 industry guests at a gala awards ceremony at London’s Park Lane Hilton, as he was presented with the award by the comedian and television sitcom star, Hugh Dennis, and James Cawthorne, senior category director for Bakery for award sponsor Asda.

While appearing in Britain’s Best Bakery, Paul’s company was given a Wild Card Challenge to make something with two ingredients - orange and shortcrust pastry.

Paul said: "The stakes were high. We needed real innovation combined with technical skills.

"As a result, The Orange was born. It is made with two halves of orange shortcrust pastry - one filled with layers of caramelised oranges, Grand Marnier orange curd and a rich dark chocolate ganache and the other with a light, refreshing orange mousse. Each half was encased in a delicate layer of Belgian chocolate."

His creation sent judges Mich Turner and Peter Sidwell into raptures and they declared: "Best wild card of the series. The two halves create a perfect harmony."

Back at his bakery after the series, he extended the range in the shop with Blood Red Orange for Valentine’s Day. This was then followed by cherry, lemon and strawberry versions of the dish. A mince pie version will be released in good time for Christmas.