New Burnley shop owner's unique 'Cake It Forward' charity initiative will bring sweet treats to those who need it most

And she was moved to tears at the avalanche of support for her opening day at Cuppa Cakes Ltd in Burnley's Standish Street on Saturday.

She said: "It's not the best time to open a new business and I did wonder how it would go.

"This shop was the one I always wanted so when it became available it was a case of now or never.

"We were so busy all day and there were people queueing outside, even before we opened. I am so grateful to everyone for their support, it means the world."

And Cheryl she has vowed to support a different charity monthly with her 'Cake It Forward' initiative.

Customers are invited to buy an extra treat for someone vulnerable or down on their luck. They can then post a note on a special board in the shop.

Cheryl said: "We want to spread the word for anyone who is having a tough time or needs a treat to come and take a note off the board for their cup cake."

The money donated for the extra treats will be given to a nominated charity at the end of each month.

And none of the efforts of Cheryl and her team, who include her partner Shaun Foxcroft and her daughter in law Joanne White, will be wasted, as baked goods not sold at the end of the day will be handed out to the homeless and needy.

The first batch were donated to Pastor Mick Fleming of Burnley's Church on the Street.

Cheryl said: "Our motto is life is better with cake, we want to make a difference and help people, it's not just about being a shop."

Cheryl started her business from home whilst also working full time. After being made redundant in 2016 she began working from the Heasandford Industrial Estate in Burnley but, when a lot of the staff working in the surrounding offices were furloughed, it spelled the end for her.

She got herself a supermarket job to help save up for when the time was right to open a shop.

Cheryl, who moved from her native Todmorden to Burnley, several years ago said: "I would not be anywhere else.

"Moving here was the best thing I ever did, I love this town and the people in it."