A TRUCKER is putting smiles on the faces of colleagues and clients with a series of special deliveries – of his delicious homemade pies.

Mark Sumpton, from Spennymoor, is a truck driver who has driven up and down the country and across Europe.

But these days he often has a pastry-based savoury treat with him.

Starting out in his kitchen making a pie for work, his love of food has grown into something bigger.

Mr Sumpton said: “Everyone likes pies. I am a truck driver by trade, but cooking is my passion.

“I cook for everyone, there’s no I in being a cook.

“There’s something about it, it has that ‘yum’ factor.

“I make all sorts of pies, corn beef, mince, cheese, you name it I’ll make it.”

He added: “The whole idea behind it was that I love cooking, and I would take some pies to work for the lads.

“They loved the pies so much, that it stuck, and I have been making them ever since.

“I love the fact that people care about my pies, it really puts a smile on their faces.

“People ask why I do it as there is no financial benefit. Making pies can be expensive but I think to see people’s reactions outweighs any cost.

“I often say that there are nice people in the world, and giving them food makes them even nicer.”

Mr Sumpton has also been influenced by his European truck driving and hopes bring the inspiration from his travels back home.

He added: “I have been heavily influenced by Europe, I love their food.

“I am building a pizza oven to make fresh pizza, the proper way.

“I would love to open a European-style restaurant, it is a dream of mine because they do food the proper way.

“However, for now I am going to keep making pies for people, maybe a healthier option.

“My life is cooking and I am always looking at kitchen gadgets and new recipes to find the perfect dish.”

Mr Sumpton runs Cordon Grub, a group on Facebook to share his food and for others to share their creations.

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