A FLEDGLING business which began life from a market stall has blossomed into one of Urmston's mainstay eateries.

Earlier this year a speculative dive into the world of selling, by now ex-probation officer Joanne Hill and partner, ex-teacher Zoe Hill, led to the pair, better known as the Sponge Sisters, taking up 'temporary' residence at Urmston Market, where their customer base was established. Eventually, attracting customers from far and wide to try out their delicious home made cakes and pastries.

Joanne said: "We started out on the market back in April and on our first day we completely sold out, which meant we could leave early, and it has continued since then."

The pair took the bold step last month to open The Hideaway by the Sponge Sisters eaterie, at 218 Church Road, which not only sells home made cakes but also a variety of pies and cooked meats on the premises.

She explains: "All of our products are locally sourced and the cakes and pies are made on the premises which offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten free foods and cakes."

She adds: "We open seven days a week, from 8am to 9pm, and have a side room which can accommodate up to 20 people for meetings, parties or other such activities.

"Since we opened, we have become very much a community resource where mums gather in groups in the mornings or couples come to eat in the evenings and share a bottle of wine."