National Craft Bakers’ Week (NCBW) has been launched this week, with a video starring Channel 4’s Fabulous Baker Brothers, Tom and Henry Herbert.

The Week, taking place on 8-13 October was officially launched yesterday (7 October) at Bakers’ Fair Autumn 2012, which took place at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate. Mike Holling, chairman of the National Association of Master Bakers, explained that Tom Herbert was the face of the Week this year, which aims to raise awareness of craft bakery and encourage more customers into shops to support local businesses.

The Herbert brothers of Hobbs House Bakery in Gloucestershire said they were championing the week because of their roots.

Holling said: “We are trying to get across to the customer on the high street how important the craft baker is. We need viable, vibrant high streets to operate. Without that we cannot succeed.”

He added that the pair were in the process of filming a Christmas special of their hit TV show, as well as a second series in the new year.

Heather Bowen of the Teenage Cancer Trust, NCBW’s partner charity, explained how the money raised from the Week will help to put specialist age-appropriate facilities into hospitals for 13- to 24-year-olds who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Holling also announced on stage that the Week had already raised more than £2,000 for the cause and was hopeful more bakers and customers would help to support the charity.

YouTube link: http://youtu.be/bkRFebh1w_U

>> Find out more about National Craft Bakers’ Week