AN artisan bakery that works with young people who have struggled in mainstream education is to compete in the new series of a TV competition.

The Clervaux Bakery, based in Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, opened in 2010 and has won a strong following for its freshly baked breads and meals, using locally-produced ingredients.

The bakery is linked to the Clervaux Trust, based at Clow Beck Eco Farm, near Croft, and offers apprentice and volunteer opportunities to young people who have behavioural and learning difficulties to give them practical skills for the workplace.

The bakery will appear in Britain’s Best Bakery on ITV Daytime, which returns for a second series on Monday.

The cameras followed the bakery’s head baker Scott Haywood and chef Sam Ainsley during filming for the first round of the competition, which culminates in a North-East regional final on Friday.

Rik McCordall, from Clervaux Bakery, said taking part in the show was a good opportunity to promote the bakery to a wider audience.

He said: “We saw first series last year and knew there was a chance to apply. The programme makers came to visit us to see what we produce and we qualified for the series.

“They spent a lot of time filming, especially with our head baker and chef, who had to bake particular items. Being on the show will definitely help raise our profile and hopefully if we come across well people will pop in and see for themselves what we do.”

The Clervaux Bakery will feature on Britain’s Best Bakery on Tuesday (January 7) at 4pm on ITV 1.