CHILDREN from disadvantaged families will be given an extra special birthday surprise thanks to the efforts of kind bakers.

Abi Smith, owner of Pud Puds on High Street, is trying to set up a Worcestershire Free Cakes for Kids UK group to help children and families across the county.

Free Cakes for Kids is a movement of volunteers and community groups that aim to give children birthday cakes to families who may not be able to afford them for free and confidentially.

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She said: "I run a dessert shop in Pershore and I heard about this project and I thought I could volunteer to help in Worcestershire but there was nothing set up.

"I think cakes are something that gets taken for granted on birthdays and with the cost of living crisis becoming more and more severe, there are families out there who will not be able to afford to buy their children a birthday cake."

"As a baker myself, my children are able to have cakes often but the fact that some children are not able to have something as simple as a cake on their birthday is really sad.

"I thought to myself that I have a background with charity, I am chairwoman of my school's PTA and I have the cooking and baking skills to make this happen. Being able to brighten a child's day would be amazing."

In the West Midlands, there are only groups established in Leamington Spa and Warwick, North Shropshire and Stratford Upon Avon.

Mrs Smith is looking for volunteers across the county who would be able to help make this happen.

"In order to get this project off the ground I need to build a team of volunteer bakers. I made a post on social media and have had a fair few people come forward which has been lovely to see.

"I am also planning to meet school, social services and local food banks to discuss referrals."

Mrs Smith is asking interested parties to get in touch via email to learn more about the project.

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She said: "When you get in touch, I can send you a pack which will help get you started.

"I am not looking for expert bakers, I am just looking for people who want to help out and do something good."

To find out more about volunteering, you can email freecakes_worcs@aol.com, and for more about Free Cakes For Kids UK, visit https://www.freecakesforkids.org.uk/groups