A young baker has thanked people for their support after opening their own bakery.

Chloe Hayward has been hard at work on the opening day of Chloe’s Cakery in Highworth, which sells cakes, coffee and bread.

The 23-year-old baker thanked her brother and others who gave their help after the opening was delayed due to personal reasons.

She said: “My biggest goal in life was to open a bakery, and as my mum said to me the other day, it is my dream, not anyone else's, and I refuse for that to be ruined.

"The response from the local community has been so overwhelming in the best way possible.

“Everyone has been so unbelievably supportive - thank you so much to everyone who came forward to offer their help.”

She especially thanked her brother Danny who ‘saved the day lately and kept the business going’.

It has not always been smooth sailing with the opening. Chloe said: “Of course we have had a few negative comments as you always do but everyone has stood up for us.

“We have had nothing but positive feedback from the customers - people always pop their head into the kitchen to say thank you which has been lovely.”

In the interim period, Chloe hired a barista to help and has since got back to baking for weddings.

She said: “It's cakes like this that remind me why I set up this business. To turn food into edible art is what I enjoy best.”

Cinnamon swirls, cookies, brownies, lardy cake, Chelsea buns and freshly baked bread are some things you might find at Chloe’s shop.

Chloe said: “I am feeling much more relaxed about the situation now, and I am starting to enjoy it again. 

“It was obviously very stressful with everything that happened - trying to find new staff and coping with demand.

“We are definitely still finding our feet with it all but we are getting there but we are getting there and enjoying it which is the most important thing.”

The morning has been busy: although the shop began fully stocked, in the morning Chloe shared that most of the bread had sold out.

Chloe's Cakery is located at 40 High Street, Highworth. It is open from seven to five Tuesday to Friday, till four on Saturday, and eight to four on Sunday.