A CUPCAKE artist is fulfilling his dream by opening up a tea room and bakery.

Lee Shave launched his business Sweet Treats on Blackburn Market before moving into new premises on Darwen Street.

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He is the latest in a string of businesses to move into the town centre’s Business Improvement District (BID), scheme set up by traders around 18 months ago to improve the town’s economic fortunes.

Lee, who sells a range of cupcakes, novelty cakes and afternoon teas, decided to expand his business and to cope with the demand.

He said: “After a while it got to the stage where I was so busy with cake orders that I didn’t have the facilities to expand the business unless I moved premises.

“It has always been a dream of mine to own a tea room and with my cake making business going from strength to strength, it was the right time to take the next step.

“The opportunity to have a presence in the town centre, supported by the Blackburn BID is great for brand awareness and will help the business to attract more customers.”

The shop, which is filled with tasty delights, offers a made to order cake making service for weddings, birthdays, christening and other celebrations.

Harriet Roberts, who is the manager of the BID scheme, said she was pleased to see new businesses opening in the town centre.

She said: “It’s good news that an empty unit has been filled in Darwen Street in the town.

“Although as a small businesses Lee’s business isn’t strictly part of BID, it is a welcomed addition to the area, which is known to have a range of unique long established treasured businesses.

“I am glad Lee has seen the appeal of setting up his business in the BID area and although he’s not a BID member, we are keen to support anyone who decides to trade in the area in whatever way we can.”