We are delighted to announce the winners of this year’s Original Biscuit Bakers Gingerbread Heritage Trail.

Commenting on their headline sponsorship of the heritage trail and contest Sales and Marketing Director of Original Biscuit Baker, Sarah Hopcroft, said: “It was truly uplifting to witness the enthusiasm and effort put forth by so many in this year’s contest. The level of creativity was exceptional, sparking a spirit of friendly competition among local businesses and organisations. Supporting this vibrant aspect of the festival was a fantastic experience! It was wonderful to have all three judges Deputy Mayor Councillor Tim Manton, Olympian Pauline Goodwin and Shropshire Olympian Penny Healey.”

Commenting on judging the contest Deputy Mayor, Councillor Tim Maton said: “It was an honour and a privilege to be invited to judge the town’s best displayed Gingerbread characters today. There were some 45 premises we visited, which in itself, is a tremendous effort in such a relatively small town. But what really shone above all, was the effort and creativity by all those that entered, there were some terrific Olympic themed displays to look at, they were all incredible, and in reality, all deserved to be winners. To be judging together with an Olympian in Pauline Goodwin was a tremendous honour and one I will not forget for a long time. Thank you once again, and please pass on my thanks to all involved, including Sarah and the sponsors who really do go above and beyond to make our Town the most wonderful of places.”

Our sponsor and esteemed judges left to right:

Sarah Hopcroft – Original Biscuit Bakers (sponsor), Deputy Mayor Councillor Tim Manton and Olympian, Pauline Goodwin

Judge: Olympian Penny Healey (left) outside the Oxfam shop

Winner: Harry Hepworth, Rings by Salopian Care

“The team at Salopian Care have really enjoyed supporting our local community, this year, by taking part in the annual Ginger and Spice window dressing competition and we are thrilled to have been chosen as the winners, considering there were so many other amazing designs. We are looking forward to continuing to work with and supporting our local community with future events.”

Karen Turner Salopian Care

Winner: Alfie Hewitt – Wheel Chair Tennis by St Mary’s Church

“Being a part of the Ginger & Spice Heritage Trail has been great. It’s always a real joy to welcome people into the church and this year we had around 150 visitors, coming to see this beautiful old building and search for our Gingerbread Man. This year , as part of the Olympics theme, our Gingerbread Man was wheelchair tennis champ, Alfie Hewitt. and we were thrilled that he won the children’s vote of best dressed Gingerbread Man and hope he inspired everyone to celebrate people with all sorts of different abilities.”

Revered Catherine McBride, St Mary’s Church Market Drayton

Runner Up: Kieran Reilly – BMX, Hair by Becky Barberpole, located at the Town Barbers

“We are over the moon to have come runner-up. It brings people to the town, and the Gingerbread character displays really brighten up the area! It’s a fantastic way to keep the community together. Joe and I had so much fun creating the window.”

Becky Sutton, owner

Winner: Andy Murray – Tennis by Oxfam

“Andy Murray was leaving the Olympics this year and we thought a nice idea to pay tribute to him. We often get a lot of tennis rackets donated so it chose itself really and came together.”

Alison Healy, Volunteer

Commenting on the Original Biscuit Bakers Heritage Trail, free prize draw winner, Cole, said: “I enjoyed the different characters and being able to run around the town finding them all. It was fun”

Pictured with Sarah Hopcroft, Sales and Marketing Director of Original Biscuit Bakers.

Commenting on the trail and being picked as runner-up in the free prize draw children’s prize, Dylan said: “I really enjoyed it and the best bit was when we had cookies in the Church and went to see Alfie Hewitt.”

Pictured with Sarah Hopcroft, Sales and Marketing Director of Original Biscuit Bakers.

With huge thanks to our headline sponsor The Original Biscuit Bakers and all supporting sponsors below.