A RAWTENSTALL cafe is having its cake and eating it – after being labelled as one of the top cupcake shops in the country.

Melinda Foster opened A Right Royal Tea Party, in Ormerod Street, after her Fantasy Cupcakes stall outgrew its old home on the town’s market.

And Love Baking magazine this month called it one of the six best cupcakeries in Britain.

Melinda started her business in September 2008 after leaving her job as an occupational therapist, but the shop has only been open for six months.

She said “It’s really exciting to get such recognition. Cupcakes are my passion and it’s great for other people to acknowledge their quality.”

The shop is currently expanding to add a ‘mini-emporium’ of vintage clothing and accessories that is scheduled to open on the weekend of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in June.