They’re Sunderland’s signature snack - and the humble pink slice is soon to hit the Big Smoke for a special photoshoot. Local author Glenda Young is in the midst of writing her latest novel, The Bakery Girls, which is set in 1902 in a bakery in the slums of Sunderland’s East End. Inspired by Sunderland’s love of the sweet treat, the novel will feature the fictional birth place of the pink slice. The book isn’t released until February 2027, but publisher Headline are already planning the photo shoot for the cover - and they’ve made a special bakery commission to bring pink slices to the masses. Long-running city bakery Müller, in Villette Road, have been tasked with creating a special batch of pink slices this month, which will be sent down to London for the photoshoot. As well as appearing on the cover of the book in all its formats, the resulting image will also be used on all publicity material. Glenda said: “The book will go in all supermarkets as well as bookshops including Waterstones, TGJones and all indie bookshops. “Müllers will be credited inside the book and I am beyond grateful to them for their help on this and while researching the history of pink slice. “I visited their shop on Villette Road and had a wonderful conversation with Charlie Müller who was very generous with his knowledge and time.” She added: “When I began researching the history of pink slice in Sunderland, I could only find information that went as far back as the 1923 Bero cookbook where there's a recipe for Bero Rich Jam Cakes. “I was interested to delve further back than the 1923 Bero book and spoke to Emma Kay, a writer and food historian, author of 'A History of British Baking'. “Emma advised me that iced shortbread with jam was traditionally a Scottish delicacy and from there I discovered Empire Biscuits. These are almost the same as our pink slice, but with white icing not pink, and a cherry on the top too! Interestingly, Empire Biscuits were called German Biscuits before the advent of WW1. “However when I asked Emma Kay if a direct link could be made between Sunderland pink slice being of German origin, she said: ‘Most recipes descend from overseas and there's very little we can actually claim to be 'British'. The pink slice could just have been made up one day in someone's kitchen’!” In the interest of research, Glenda has been sampling pink slices at other bakeries around the city and if anyone knows more on the history of the sweet treat, feel free to contact the author on her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GlendaYoungAuthor

A bestselling author, who draws inspiration from the heritage of Sunderland and the surrounding areas, has added another talk at a local landmark to meet demand. Glenda Young recently released the third and final book in her Toffee Girls trilogy, which were inspired by Horner's toffee factory and Dainty Dinah toffee of Chester-le-Street. The latest release, Celebrations at the Toffee Factory, is out now in hardback, audiobook, large print, libraries and ebook, with a paperback release coming in May. Lumley Castle, in Chester-le-Street, features in the book as its characters rejoice in WW1 peace celebrations and Glenda’s initial author talk at the venue, entitled Sweet Stories of Chester-le-Street, has already sold out. Now, she is staging a second talk on June 28 to meet demand, with tickets available here. Glenda made her name in publishing with historical sagas such as The Tuppenny Child, The Paper Mill Girl and Belle of the Back Streets. As well as releasing her third in the Toffee Girls trilogy, Glenda is also working on a new book about Sunderland’s signature pink slices. As well as writing sagas, Glenda is also the author of the Scarborough-based Helen Dexter mystery series, which was shortlisted for the New Kid on the Block Award for Best New Series in the Dead Good Reader Awards. She has also written official TV tie-in books for ITV’s Coronation Street and runs two international fan websites for the show. In 2026, the author will celebrate 10 years writing a weekly soap opera called Riverside for The People’s Friend magazine. She also sponsors a creative writing student at the University of Sunderland and her donation to Sunderland Women’s Centre will launch a new creative writing class there in 2026.

The third in a trilogy based on a North East toffee factory is set to be released - and city author Glenda Young hopes it will be a sweet success. Telling the story of three young women who work together, and share secrets, in a sweet factory, The Toffee Factory Girls is from the pen of successful Sunderland author Glenda Young and is inspired by Horner's toffee factory and Dainty Dinah toffee of Chester-le-Street. Celebrations at the Toffee Factory, released at the end of May, is the third and final in the trilogy - and we have five signed copies to give away. It follows fun and feisty Elsie who longs for freedom and excitement. Hoping to meet the man of her dreams, she spurns the attention of dependable Stan. Will she realise that what she wants and what she needs are different things? Efficient Anne, meanwhile, takes control at the factory to change its fortunes after the war. She creates a new line of toffee. However, an unwelcome blast from Mr Jack’s past tries to jeopardise the factory’s success. And Hetty is torn when her sweetheart Dirk prepares to leave for his hometown in Belgium. At the same time, her old boyfriend Bob returns from the Front, determined to marry her. Who will Hetty choose? The book will be launched at independent bookshop Featherbed Books in Houghton on Thursday, May 21 from 12 – 2pm and all are welcome. Win We have five signed copies of Celebrations at the Toffee Factory to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, answer this question: where was the Dainty Dinah factory? A: Chester-le-Street B: Chichester C: Chester Email your answer, along with your name and address, to Katy.Wheeler@iconicmediagroup.co.uk by 9am on Tuesday, May 12. Copies will be posted out to readers, so make sure to include your address. Usual Iconic Media competition rules apply: https://www.mediaconcierge.co.uk/competition-prize-draw-terms-and-conditions-nw/

For International Women’s Day, on March 8, 2026 we’re highlighting just some of the Wearside women who’ve smashed the glass ceiling and made a mark in their field. From the world of business and sport to pioneering women’s education and being a charity champion, their achievements are far-reaching and have had an impact way beyond their home city. Here’s just some of the 24 Wearside women who’ve really made a difference or made their mark, in no particular order.

Deadly Dancing at the Seaview Hotel, the latest cosy crime novel from Sunderland author Glenda Young, has received high praise from Strictly Come Dancing judge and ballroom legend Anton du Beke.