A BAKING school owner says she is devastated after taking the decision to shut her business amid “impossible” rising costs.

Sarah Plumb has been running Delightful Tea Bake School in Southend and Great Wakering for 11 years.

However, the business has now closed due to rising costs making it “impossible” to keep going.

Sarah said she feels she has had no other choice and but thanked everyone who has supported her and the business over the years.

She said: “I am upset that I have been forced to make the decision to close.

“Ultimately the decision was unavoidable and it is heartbreaking to have to sell off all the equipment and dismantle what I have spent more than 10 years building.

“It is really sad that some small, unique businesses like mine find it so hard to keep going.

“I have always appreciated anyone who chooses to shop small and local; without them our shopping streets would be so bland and characterless.

“Teaching what I love has always been a pleasure and I have met so many lovely people who have made it immensely fulfilling.

“I will miss sharing my knowledge with others but given the trading conditions, I will be hanging up my apron aside from baking for my loved ones.”

The unit in Southchurch Road, Southend, has now been listed on the market for £1,000 per calendar month.

The final classes have already been taught at Delightful Tea Bake School and they are now officially closed.

However, there will be two public sales to sell all the equipment at the premises on August 16 and August 24.

Sarah added: “Many of my students have returned multiple times and it is always like meeting up with old friends when they attend.

“My team and I have done so many classes and events over the years, we have hosted large family group baking sessions which have been such fun, hosted demonstrations at exhibitions and shared in milestone events “Sharing my baking knowledge with others has been a pleasure and it will feel very strange not to do it anymore.

“I want to thank my amazing husband, mum and dad, for their unwavering support throughout the years.

“They have believed in me and I can’t ever express my gratitude.