After recovering from a serious illness, Deborah Love was looking for a new challenge in life.

Having always wanted to be self employed, she turned her favourite pastime into a business, and Love's cake bakery and coffee shop was born in Ebbw Vale.

Deborah said: "I have always enjoyed making cakes for all sorts of family occasions, but had never had the courage to run by own business. I decided this was the time to go for it, and I am delighted I made that decision.”

Love’s opened in January and has proved a hit, catering for parties, weddings and family celebrations.

Deborah’s creative side is very apparent in her work.

“I am a specialist in Royal Icing, which is difficult skill, but makes a huge difference to the end result.

“We can cope with almost any request we get for a specialist cake, and have had excellent feedback from the community.”

Love’s received a £2,000 grant towards setting up from the Kickstart programme run jointly by Tata subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise and Blaenau Gwent Council.

Ruth Headon, of UK Steel Enterprise, said: "Deborah’s business is providing a very useful service in the local community and is a valuable addition to the town’s shopping facilities. We are delighted to have been able to help through the Kickstart programme.”

Sally Jones, of Blaenau Gwent Council, said: "Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council is very pleased to support the start up of Love’s. Along with the creative side of the business there is a wide selection of food and drink offered. The menu incorporates a variety of options which caters for the healthier eating lifestyle."