An ex-dinner lady has embarked on a new venture selling her home bakes at Copeland markets.

Mandy Robinson is offering school dinner-themed cakes at Whitehaven and Egremont. She is one of the latest small business owners to take up Copeland's offer of stalls.

Mandy, of Egremont, said: “It all happened very quickly, the council were very helpful and supportive and the stalls are great value for money.

“I wanted to set up Dinner Ladies Cakes several years ago. This year my daughter is leaving home and after being a single parent I thought I have to take the bull by the horns, believe in myself and start up on my own.

“I used to be a dinner lady at Whitehaven School and was promoted to assistant cook and made all the cakes.

“Everyone I spoke to about my business said that it was a good idea so I looked into taking up stalls on Whitehaven and Egremont Market every Thursday and Friday."

And she added: “It’s my ambition in the future to have a shop that sells everyone’s school cakes and the markets are a great way for me to dip my toe in the water.

“I’ve had a lot of help from my mam and friends and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them and all my customers.”

To celebrate the national ‘Love Your Local Market’ campaign, Copeland Borough Council is offering one free of charge pitch at Whitehaven Market on May 18, 20, 25, 27 and one at Egremont and Cleator Moor Markets on May 19 and May 26.

For more information and to register your interest email whitehavenmarket@copeland.gov.uk or call 01946 593014.