SUPPORTERS of a local bakery have risen to the occasion by raising thousands of pounds in less than a week to keep their favourite business afloat.

The owners of Peace and Loaf Bakehouse in Barrow feared the worst when an increase in business rates meant they would have to downsize or close.

But within days of appealing online for help funding the Dalton Road shop, baking duo Caroline Davis, 35, and Lucas Hogg, 30, were inundated with pledges of support, almost reaching their goal in less than a week.

Mr Hogg explained: Since the start of April things have gotten a lot harder, there has been a massive jump in rates across the country. Our problem is that we have a storage room that is classed as a second property, it means we get no discount from small business relief.

"The rates are crazy for a town that is already struggling."

In order to stave off financial hardship, the tough decision was made to downsize, moving their fridge back into the main bakery.

Because of this downsize, the duo were forced into refitting their shop and buying a new multi-level oven to compensate for the loss of space.

This expense was more than the business owners could afford on their own, having spent most of their savings on paying the ever-increasing rates.

It was then that Mr Hogg and Miss Davis turned to Kickstarter to help raise the money they needed. In return for donations they offered rewards ranging from a place on their wall of fame, to a free loaf of bread for a year.

After being launched last Sunday, the fundraiser captured the imagination of the town. They have smashed their target of £5,000 in less than seven days, the total currently standing at an incredible £5,375.

With 40 days left to go the next goal is to reach £8,000. With that amount raised they would be able to fully-pay for their new oven, and add a high-end coffee machine into the mix as well.

Miss Davis has been overwhelmed with the support received, saying it reflected the true spirit of Barrow.

She said: "I haven't stopped crying, it's been really emotional - we can't believe it. We never thought we'd hit our target, we're really overwhelmed.

"It truly shows how much people in Barrow want nice things and what they are willing to do for it. It's the true spirit of people in the town."

To contribute to the bakery's Kickstarter click here .

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