A BAKERY is appealing to its customers to book their orders in advance after the coronavirus outbreak sparked a rush for everyday essentials, such as bread.

Hume’s Bakery has been an ever-present figure on Halstead High Street for nearly 60 years.

With the sudden increase in demand, the bakery is now appealing to customers to book orders in advance.

Ann Hume, who owns the bakery with husband Dennis, said: “We’re doing our best to cope with what’s needed.

“It would make things easier if people ordered the day before. 90per cent of what we sell is made on site, but we’re having a little bit of a staff shortage at the moment.

“Our son is only back on a part-time basis and it can be difficult.”

By ordering the day before, the bakery would be able to make the right amount each day, helping to cope with demand.

The outbreak comes just weeks after the bakery bounced back from the aftermath of a car crashing into the shop last year.

The shopfront of the listed building has now been repaired after more than ten months of battling for planning permission.

Ann added: “It has gone really well. I can see a few things that aren’t quite right, so some minor adjustments are needed, but it is lovely to see the bakery back to its normal self again.”

The bakery, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, is also considering getting help to collect orders for those unable to travel to the shop.