Preheat your oven to 180ºC/350ºF/Gas mark 4 (a fraction lower if your oven is fan-assisted)

In a large mixing bowl (or food processor) cream the butter and sugars until well blended

Mix in the egg and vanilla essence

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and bicarbonate of soda before combining with the previous mixture

Add the oats and dried fruit and mix thoroughly by hand

Form the mixture into balls (I made them the size of large marbles) using the palms of your hands

Put them on a large greased baking tray(s) and flatten each ball slightly with a fork

Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown

Cool on a wire rack before storing for up to a week in an airtight tin or jar