American broadcaster CNN was inspired by the recent visit of American Secretary of

State Condoleezza Rice to the north-west to recommend activities for her to enjoy during her stay.

It put Accrington-based pie company Holland’s Pies on her proposed itinerary, deciding

the company is synonymous with the region.

CNN reporters were taken on a tour of the production line, where they witnessed emp-

loyees turning out pies and puddings. While they were touring the bakery, 20,000 pies came out of the ovens, contri-buting to the 1,500,000 that are produced by Holland’s every week.

Commenting on the visit, Holland’s senior brand manager, Dawn Williams, said: “It seems our reputation is sprea-ding. A full news crew in the factory was pretty unusual, but the CNN team was trying to show Ms Rice the best of the north-west, and there’s nowhere else to start.

“Ms Rice didn’t manage to fit us into her whirlwind visit in the end,” she added, “but when she wants the best pies in Britain she’ll know where to come.”