A HOT Cross Bun baked 173 years ago and bought for £155 is currently earning its keep raising cash for charity.
Tavistock's Bill the Baker bought the ancient bun at an antique fair in Birmingham last year. 'I don't know why I bought it — I did it on a whim because I wanted to give it a good home,' he said.
Since then this celebrated bun has attracted much curiosity and media attention.
Now Bill 'the Baker' Foster has decided to cash in on the bun, believed to have been baked at a Stepney bun house in 1828. He is letting people see it — so long as they make a donation.
'One of our customers made a display cabinet in wood. That is covered by a red cloth and the bun is inside,' said Bill.
'Some people ask if it is real. I have had a few customers asking if it was me that baked it!'
He said his wife Pam has put together a hot cross bun fact sheet and anyone who makes a donation gets a copy.
He said all the money raised is going to his favourite charity, Children's Hospice South West.
'People are delighted to see it and they can make a donation right up to Easter Saturday,' said Bill.