WHEN prodigious baker Jack Morgan sent a cake to Gordon Brown he did not expect a reply.

The 84-year-old former soldier took pity on the beleaguered Prime Minister who was enduring heavy criticism from the opposition and in the press.

Mr Morgan, of Oakes Street, Kearsley, is the standard bearer for the Farnworth Ex-services Association and bakes cakes on the group’s behalf.

At the height of his baking activity, the pensioner was making up to 50 a week, sending them to friends, family, charities and schools.

More recently, he has slowed things down — but he could not resist putting his apron back on for the Labour leader, making the PM one of his finest fruit cakes.

He then sent the cake via Bolton South-east MP Brian Iddon and was thrilled to receive a personally signed note back from Mr Brown thanking him for the “delicious” treat.

“I think he’s the best Chancellor we’ve ever had, and he’s a good Prime Minister as well,” said Mr Morgan.

“We all make mistakes and he’s not getting the best press, but he deserves better.

“I’m surprised at the attacks on him and I wanted to cheer him up a bit.”

The Prime Minister rarely accepts food gifts because of the security risk, so Mr Morgan said he felt especially privileged to have received personal recognition for his efforts.

The note, which was sent to Dr Iddon for Mr Morgan’s attention, read: “Dear Brian, I just wanted to write and thank you for sending me the delicious cake, which was made by Jack Morgan. It was kind of him to think of me and I would be grateful if you would pass on my thanks to Jack for his generosity.”