During tough times the character of people shines through and that is certainly the case when it comes to warm-hearted baker Ed Trewhitt.

The owner of Brickyard Bakery in Guisborough has decided to offer a warm space to people struggling to pay their energy bills this winter.

The bakery’s ovens generate a lot of heat and about it sits a lounge area.

Mr Trewhitt is opening up the space for people to keep warm every weekday from 10am to 5pm, starting on September 15.

Ed Trewhitt owner of The Brickyard Bakery is setting up a warm bank for people in Guisborough to access free heating over the winter. PIC: Jonathan Gawthorpe

“It’s a horrible situation,” Mr Trewhitt says. “I’m worried the space won’t be big enough – I think it could be used even more than I’ve imagined.”

That should alarm politicians and reinforce the need to roll out a comprehensive support package that ensures people aren’t driven to warm banks.

This sort of action shouldn’t be required in a developed economy in the 21st century. And warm banks should not become a regular sight, like food banks have become. It only represents a failure of government.

However, we should appreciate that people like Mr Trewhitt are there to help the vulnerable when they need it the most.

It’s the sort of spirit that will be required for the country to get through this upcoming winter.

He says the response has moved him to tears. There will be a fair few hardy souls out there who will no doubt have something in their eye upon hearing of the generosity and ingenuity of the baker in Guisborough.

Ed Trewhitt of the Brickyard Bakery in Guisborough shows a warm heart - The Yorkshire Post says