WHEN you say Easter many people think about bunnies, chicks and chocolate eggs.

Another Easter essential is hot cross buns, and Carl Bartlett has had eight years experience at Asda Gosport.

The bakery team at Asda bake and precision cross up to 2,500 hot cross buns per week over the period.

Carl has perfected the art of bun crossing, and his buns will be flying off the shelves this Easter.

Carl said: "Hot cross buns continue to be a seasonal favourite with our customers and are a very traditional item, so it's important to have an eye for detail.

"We don't want a wonky cross on top of the bun.

"We take great pride in ensuring the same level of quality and attention is paid to the thousandth bun, as we do the first.

"The ideal hot cross bun should be well risen and light, it should have plump and juicy fruit, a hint of spice and, of course, a perfectly central cross.

"I've perfected my cross-spotting technique and love seeing them fly off the shelves.

"For me, the best way to serve is to split it, toast it until it is golden brown and spread with a lightly salted butter on the top, the perfect flavour combination.

"They are versatile too and make a great breakfast or light snack with a cup of tea or even as a snack for the kids."

Across the entire UK, an estimated 50 million hot cross buns will be sold by Asda this Easter.