People were up at the crack of dawn to queue for a bakery’s fabled hot cross buns this morning.

More than 100 people queued to get their hands on the freshly baked treats at Raven’s Bakery in Ditchling Road, Brighton.

Families told The Argus how they have been coming every year for more than 30 years to the bakery.

Some people even sat outside reading a book while they waited to collect hot cross buns by the dozen.

Bryn Price, 37, queued from around 7am this morning with his family after driving over from Southwick.

He said his dad Paul started taking him in 1992 when they lived in Fiveways.  

The Argus: From left, Violet, 11, Blackwell, ten, grandad Paul, 62, Jackson, five, Bryn, 37, and Ella, 36From left, Violet, 11, Blackwell, ten, grandad Paul, 62, Jackson, five, Bryn, 37, and Ella, 36 (Image: Simon Dack)

“I don’t know what it is in the spices they put in it but it’s incredible,” said Bryn.

“Somehow they make the cross bit taste good, at supermarkets that’s the bit you normally peel off. They’re gooey and are just delicious with some butter.

“We bought 36 for the family. Most of them will be eaten today and some will go in the freezer. They will be gone by the end of May.

“We still love to come every year, it’s always worth the trip. I was six when we first started going. When we had kids they started coming too.”

The Argus: A fresh batch of hot cross bunsA fresh batch of hot cross buns (Image: Simon Dack)

Marie-Clare Castree, 60, has lived in the area for 25 years. She set up her stall and read a book after getting to the bakery at 6.45am.

She said: “I go more or less every year, it’s a lovely way to meet your neighbours and celebrate something in Fiveways.

“I reckon there must have been about 100 people or more queuing in the morning. I took some orders, I left with 16 buns for family and friends.

The Argus: Marie-Clare Castree has been going to Raven's for more than 20 yearsMarie-Clare Castree has been going to Raven's for more than 20 years (Image: Simon Dack)

"I’m meeting my sister at 11am and having it with her. I’m holding off till then.

“I have lived in Fiveways for more than 25 years, I clocked the wonders of Raven’s very quickly. I have been going about 20 years.

“You leave your house anywhere in the adjacent roads and you can smell the spices, it is just wonderful.”