THE Apple Pie Cafe & Bakery in Ambleside beat strong competition from a record number of businesses to win the Food and Drink Producers category at the Cumbria Family Business Awards last week.

The team from the family run business, which was founded back in 1975, admitted they were “hugely surprised” to land the accolade.

The trophy was presented to them by TV celebrity chefs The Hairy Bikers at the glittering event at the Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, where fellow South Lakeland businesses The Crafty Baa, Shed 1 and Lovingly Artisan also carried off awards.