IF CORONAVIRUS has brought a boon to century-old business W.H Gayton – then for Atherstone and beyond the bakery has been nothing short of a Godsend.

The Grendon-based third generation of bakers is on an operational footing it has probably never experienced in 101 years since David Gayton's grandfather established the traditional craft breadmakers.

It was the year the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919 – signalling an end to hostilities in the First World War – that Grandad Gayton started a business which has remained in the same family ever since.

But fast forward to today and his grandson finds himself fighting a new battle against an unknown, silent enemy ironically called Covid-19.

And since the onset of the virus brought panic buying to the shops of Atherstone and North Warwickshire – with bread, loo rolls and hand gels in insatiable demand – staff at Gaytons have gone into a production schedule more associated with a warp drive from Star Trek's Enterprise.

The 52-year-old bakery boss made a simple pledge at the start of the chaos and fear of supply which has wrapped itself around coronavirus: I'll do everything possible to keep every shop stocked.

And the self-effacing Master Baker has not only achieved it but continues to thank everyone else for "support, kindness and love" through all this.

Before Covid-19, the Maypole Lane business baked bread in the early hours and confectionery during the day.

But now Mr Gayton, along with a staff of 15 which includes his sister Elizabeth and son Luke, has upped production with a double bread shift in the day as well.

His 24-hour working has seen a doubling of production.

"It's never been like this, " a spokeswoman told Nub News, admitting there is "no way" the bakery boss would have time to speak to us anytime soon.

Such is demand that the bakery is looking at regularising shop "opening" on a 9am-6pm basis.

David Gayton was one of the youngest bakers in the UK to be awarded the honour of Master Baker at the age of 10.

He used to sneak out of the window at 2am to watch his dad, Walter Gayton, making the bread.

The Grendon baker has more than a touch of the famous 1973 Hovis advert about him.

Remember the little boy pushing his bike and bread up the steep cobbled street to make his delivery of Hovis.

Well the challenge of coronavirus has certainly set him a herculean taste akin to climbing a mountain to keep Atherstone and beyond fed.

But he's still promising more, telling social media: "I assure you all the bakery will carry on producing and keeping all supplied in whatever form we all have to adapt to.

And he's asking any group or organisation that needs any help with bread or cakes to get in touch on 01827 712538.

In addition he's offering a 30 per cent discount for NHS staff, emergency services and military on bread bought from the bakery or delivered to a designated drop-off point.

Tributes for the bakery and its owner pour in daily on Atherstone People's Forum.

Valerie Ball posted: "Keep up the good work David but take care and stay safe" while Betty Bennett said: "You are a diamond David, and all of your staff."

Rachel Matthews added: "Thanks to all at the bakery – we're lucky to have you in the village."

Editor's footnote: If ever there was coronavirus community champion . . . then step away from the oven for a moment David Gayton and take a bow.