Last updated at 13:05, Friday, 01 March 2013

A Maryport baker opened the doors to her new premises in the town last week.

FIRST SLICE: Judi Bakes owners Maria and Frazer Ross hold a ribbon cake for Maryport town centre manager Toni Magean

Maria Ross launched cake business Judi Bakes at its new location in Wood Street on Friday.

The move comes after Maria spent two years creating her products from her home in Ennerdale Road.

Maria will run the shop with husband Frazer, daughter Daryl, and apprentice Shana Callister.

Maria said: “It is a marvellous feeling to finally be open. We have had so much support from everyone that it feels like a community effort.

“Moving into town centre premises has been a natural progression and we can now show off our cakes to their full potential.

“It has been an emotional day with everything coming to fruition.

“My first customer was a little girl who has ordered a lactose-free cake for her grandmother.”

Among her other customers was Jean Foster, of the area’s Voluntary Support Group of Coeliac UK.

She said: “It is wonderful to have someone such as Maria providing products for people with intolerance to certain things.

“To have her based here in Maryport, is a brilliant addition to the town.”

Toni Magean, town centre manager, said that the new shop would prove a huge hit in Maryport.

He said: “Judi Bakes has a fantastic reputation and it will go a long way in attracting customers and tourists here.”

Maria resigned as a cook from the town’s cottage hospital to concentrate on her full-time cake decorating business.

Many of the cakes will still be made at Maria’s home.

She made sure the shop was decorated and furnished in a Georgian style to be in-keeping with the history of the town.

She said the new space will also be used to hold cake-making and decorating workshops.

The business has been supported by Britain’s Energy Coast business support team.

Shelly Gambles, the organisation’s business support manager, said: “Having worked with Maria and Frazer since the start-up stages of the business, it’s lovely to see them spreading their wings particularly when others are being more cautious.

“I’m sure they will become a valuable asset to Maryport town centre – her shop window will definitely be one to watch.”

First published at 12:40, Friday, 01 March 2013
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk