An Abingdon baker who describes bread as "sex on a plate" has won a place in the final of the Baking Industry Awards.

Dan De Gustibus, of De Gustibus, on the Wooton Road Industrial Estate, has been nominated as a finalist in the new baked product category for his Tortino.

The Tortino, made to Mr De Gustibus's own recipe, is a mouth-watering combination of Italian focaccia bread, filled with provencale vegetables, olives and herbs and topped with mozzarella cheese.

It is two feet in diameter and can be cut into slices and eaten like pizza.

Mr De Gustibus said: "It is quite difficult to come up with a new product because it should be both recognisable and original."

Based on Mediterranean ingredients, Tortino is appetising, but healthy, filling and good value for money, he says.

Mr De Gustibus added: "It is very nice that we have had the recognition of reaching the finals, but I think we are already on to a winner because the Tortino is selling tremendously well. It is our customers who are voting with their taste buds."

Mr De Gustibus will join Britain's top bakers, confectioners and manufacturing companies at a glittering Oscar-style presentation at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane, London.

Mr De Gustibus has run his specialist bread-making business from Abingdon with his wife, Annette, for more than ten years.

They have previously won the Best Baker in Britain award.