A WICKFORD councillor has championed the opening a new bakery in the town this weekend.

Cosson’s Bakery, in High Street, Wickford, will open to the public on Saturday morning, offering up a range of freshly baked pastries and bread for the residents of the town.

Councillor for Wickford Park, David Harrison, will also be in attendance at the grand opening of the store.

The owner of the new shop is Simon Cosson.

Mr Cosson was a student at Beauchamps High School in Beauchamps Drive before he joined his family business, Cosson and Son’s Bakery in Briar Road, Romford.

The bakery, however, had to close last year after 36 years.

Mr Cosson then felt that a return to his home town was a perfect decision to continue the family business.

Speaking ahead of the opening on Saturday, Mr Harrison said: “I think it is absolutely brilliant and I think it will be a success.

“Another local man returning to open a local business. He will do well, I am sure of that.”

Mr Cosson lived in Wickford until he was 14-years-old when he moved to Harold Wood with his family.

He said on social media: “I admit I shed a tear of two when I was given the keys to my new shop.

“I love Wickford, always have and always will. I am really looking forward to getting started.”

Mr Cosson is encouraging a sense of community spirit via a series of regular updates about the bakery’s fitting and preparation ahead of its much-anticipated grand opening.

Mr Harrison expects the opening of the new bakery to be another successful business run by a resident of Wickford.

The store opens at 8am.