Bernie the Blackpool biscuits man is the coronavirus cookie king

Logistics Supervisor Bernie Glen, 65, who has worked at Burton’s bakery in Devonshire Road for 40 years, has been distributing bags of free biscuits to people in need.

Bernie, from Layton, has been providing biscuits for charities for many years, but his long-standing support for the community has never been more welcome.

Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus, at the end of each shift Bernie takes to the road, spending hours each day handing out up to 40 bags of biscuits, which he prepares himself, to locals.

Bernie uses freshly-baked biscuits from the end of production runs and his bags include household favourites such as Maryland Cookies.

He said: “I see a lot of hardship out there and there are a lot of people who really are struggling. I wanted to do something to make a difference at a time when people are facing real anxiety or maybe just want to see a friendly face. I just say I’m from Burton’s Biscuits and ask if they’d like a bag.

“I can’t tell you how grateful people are and what I think is a small gesture on my part seems to be making a real impact in the local community. I’m also really grateful that my bosses at Burton’s are really supportive of what I’m doing and allow me to get on with it.”

Bernie ensures he adheres to all social distancing guidelines and as well as providing biscuits for many charities, he has left them on people’s doorsteps. Bernie has never sought any publicity or thanks, but residents have contacted Burton’s to say thanks to the person they describe as an ‘unsung hero’.

Burton’s Blackpool Bakery Manager, Andrea Burgoyne, said Bernie was making an outstanding contribution to the community and described him as ‘selfless’.

Blackpool colleague, Peter Benny, has helped co-ordinate Burton’s national donations to the NHS and charities.

Chrissie Ashworth, who lives near Burton’s, said: “Since being in lockdown my children have spent more time playing in the garden.

“To their absolute delight during this very confusing time for them, they went out to find a bag filled with cookies and biscuits. Confused I rang family members wondering if it was a good deed, but it turns out the whole street had been left one by Burton’s biscuits on Devonshire road. I thought this was such a lovely gesture.”