AN AWARD-winning community shop has announced the winners of its Hot Cross Bun bake off.

The Green Gram Community Refill Shop in Fordingbridge ran the competition as part of its "Education and Outreach" programme, with the aim of engaging local families in an Easter holiday cooking activity.

Funded by the Fordingbridge Rotary, The Green Gram made up 30 packs of ingredients for hot cross buns, which included everything that families needed to make the recipe, including an egg and instructions. The Rotary also donated prize money for the winning family.

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Families ordered the kits by using a ticket source link and all 30 packs had been booked within 48 hours of the event going live.

They were asked to send in pictures of the buns and the children baking, so they could enter the best bun competition.

Wendy Reid, Outreach Co-ordinator said: “The standard was so high we found it very difficult to choose, so we decided to award two £10.00 prizes to our winners, Etta-May Fisher and Edward Macildowie.

“Both children came into the shop to collect their prizes, which was lovely.

Salisbury Journal: The Hot Cross Bun Bakeoff winners

“The feedback from families was extremely positive. Everyone loved participating in the activity and the buns tasted fantastic! It was such a success that we now have plans for more school holiday baking challenges, so watch this space!”

Since opening in May 2022, The Green Gram has been offering refills of foods, cleaning products and toiletries. Its customers have prevented over 1000kg of plastic waste.

In addition to baking challenges, The Green Gram has been running workshops to youth groups to deepen understanding of environmental issues, especially reusing and is now also visiting schools. To book a school visit or for more information, email Wendy at outreach@thegreengram.org