STAFF at Helmsley-based Thomas the Baker are celebrating the success of their mince pies in Good Housekeeping’s annual festive taste test.

The magazine tested 165 festive foods, including 19 mince pies from big-name supermarkets and high-end retailers, and awarded Thomas’s sweet mince pies 73 out of 100 for their home-made appearance, fruity filling and thin pastry, putting them in the runners-up position.

General manager, Simon Thomas, said: “Winning the official approval of the Good Housekeeping Institute is an amazing achievement for us.”