A local taxi driver who enjoys baking in her spare time has been cooking up a storm during lockdown to ensure children celebrate their birthday with a special cake.

Rachel Davies, (48), who lives in Biddulph Moor, hasn't worked for nearly six weeks due to the government restrictions, but she has swapped her taxi for her kitchen.

Since offering her cake making services on social media in mid-March, Miss Davies has been making six-inch drip cakes for children who have had a birthday during lockdown.

Miss Davies told Congleton Nub News: "I've always enjoyed baking and I needed something to do to keep myself occupied. Putting a smile on a child's face for their birthday with a cake is the best I can do in a difficult situation, but it's nice to know that you're making a difference and helping families.

"I used to live in Congleton, so a lot of people I know got in touch, I have also been making cakes for special occasions for friends."

After attending cake courses in the past and watching YouTube videos, Rachel successfully made her first biscuit letter today and is currently averaging making up to three birthday cakes per week.

Miss Davies added: "Baking is something that I would like to do more of as I get older, but this is a perfect time for me to brush up my skills."

Miss Davies revealed that it was six years ago, when one of her friends asked her to make a cricket themed cake for her son, that she had to call on her mum's baking guidance to perfect the finer details and decorations.

She continued: "I've always been happy baking, but when I knew I had to make wickets, bat and ball decorations, I had no choice but to ask my mum to show me how it was done."

The cakes are being dropped off on residents' doorsteps when Rachel is doing the weekly shopping for either her mum or dad.

Rachel told Nub News that she has got orders booked in for the first three weeks in May, and people have already enquired about June.

"I don't think the restrictions will be lifted to the extent that children's parties will be allowed, but I am just focusing on each order as it comes in," Rachel said.

Rachel hasn't asked for anything in return whilst making the cakes, but customers have left a mixture of flowers, wine and money on their doorstep to show their appreciation.

Miss Davies continued: "It's really nice of people to make these kind gestures and to know that you've made a difference to someone's big day."

Rachel has also kindly made cakes for the NHS staff in A&E and theatre at Macclesfield Hospital.

She concluded: "Times are hard right now in many ways and we're all being affected and although I now live in Biddulph Moor I spent 43 years in Congleton.

"I wasn't born there but I consider it my hometown and so many people are going above and beyond at the moment for local people, so it's not just me.

"I read every day on Facebook how much others are doing, it's a fabulous town with fabulous people. I'm beginning to get to know more people where I am now and I can see that the people of Biddulph are the same too, it's amazing!"