A POPULAR bakery in Dovercourt has risen again after being taken over by new owners.

Martyn and Gemma Entwistle are the proud new owners of Whistle’s Bakery, in High Street.

The pair, who also own shops in Manningtree and Tollgate, launched the new bakery with a special celebration on Friday.

Martyn said he has been in the baking industry for more than 20 years

He added: “I went from school, managed a few bakeries, I worked for a wholesale bakery. We took over up here and are trying to expand.

“We’ve solely been wholesale, but took on a Manningtree shop in October last year.

"My wife and I have lived in Harwich all of our lives and love it.

“I was at college and got a part-time job at Morrison’s in the bakery - and I worked my way up from there.

Before being bought by the couple, the bakery had been named the Suncrust Bakery.

However, the new owners were not allowed to use that name due to legal reasons.

Martyn said the acquisition had been a quick process.

Although there were offers to convert the building into a convenience store, John Acton and his company Baker’s Yard stepped in to ensure it remained a bakery.

Ivan Henderson, ward councillor for Harwich and Kingsway, said: "I was really pleased to be there to congratulate them.

"They’ve expanded their business.

“It was really good to see so many people coming in and appreciate the bakery being back open – welcome the bakery back open, obviously buying stuff from the shop.

“They had a lovely selection in there - it’s a good added business and shop to the town.

"It was closed, but really good to see it back open as a bakery and everyone coming in and using it, supporting the owners and the business.

“All best wishes to them for the future.”