A TALENTED baker has been making his name worldwide with several accolades under his belt.

Graeme Venus, owner of Sticky Sponge in Stocksfield, was 'delighted' to see he has been named as a Delicious Magazine Award Finalist and announced as one of the UK's top 50 wedding cake designers by GoHen late last year.

"We have been named as a top wedding cake designer in the last few years," Graeme said.

"But it is always nice to see the email and read it.

"It really gives myself a sense of achievement to see that my hard work is recognised.

"We are not a normal cake business and tend to do a lot of one-off special occasions - which have a theme.

Hexham Courant:

"Therefore I put a lot of time and effort into making sure it is perfect for our customer.

"Everything I make is edible - apart from the things used to keep up the structure.

"I do love the business as it is not always weddings and birthday jobs - last year it was celebrating the Hadrian's Wall 1900th.

Hexham Courant:

"I think my business definitely puts up apart from others as they have larger teams to help out, where it is just myself.

"My wife helps out sometimes with the baking but it is just me."

Even without being nominated for awards, Graeme's reputation proceeds him and often finds himself mostly booked up for the year.

Graeme adds: "I hardly have any time off as we have a lot of requests for different cakes for different events.

"We are still really catching up from Covid but we are managing.

Hexham Courant:

"With us being so busy, we are thinking about different opportunities to help the business.

"With the magazine and being a well-known name from word of mouth and those who follow our social media business page - we have thought of doing masterclasses and tutorials online or in person for those interested in making their own designs.

"It is still a very much work in progress but we look forward to seeing what the future holds.

"We are never too busy for anyone who wants to enquire about our services and are still have availability for any events, if anyone wants to contact me on 07766 306154 or  sales@stickysponge.co.uk."