Recreating the nativity scene out of bread has gained a popular Nailsworth bakery global recognition.
Hobbs House Bakery team leader Amanda-Jane Osborne created an alternative nativity scene by using sourdough loaves for the three kings and Mary and Joseph, while baby Jesus is made out of a baguette in a rye loaf manger.
The display even caught the attention of iconic BBC show Have I Got News For You, with a picture appearing on the hit series that stars Ian Heslop and Paul Merton.
Bread maker Amanda-Jane told Stroud Times: “I have worked almost 20 years for Hobbs and have done many, many window displays during that time. This time was one of the most simple I’ve ever made.
“Hilary, our manager, chose the original Christmas story, ‘The Nativity’ as the theme and the Wild White Sourdough loaf for the figures and the Rye Sourdough for the Crib. Baby Jesus is made from a sourdough baguette. ‘The bread of life’ made out of bread.
“Sourdough is the best for modelling because it lasts well, but to last around 6 weeks it needs drying out and then varnishing. It only needed one end slicing off so they would stand up. I added eyes and outfits. Each of our shops had a star baked by Baz at the main bakery.
“Previous Christmas window displays have taken a lot longer to make and been far more complicated with loaves being carved, joined together and decorated.
“It was a laugh and an honour to see our window display on ‘Have I got News For You’. It’s been quite a talking point for our customers and a lot of pictures have been taken of the nativity scene.”