A charity has been set up in Burton-on-Trent to offer free cakes for disadvantaged children.

The Free Cakes For Kids initiative has been established to help cheer up children in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, who are facing illness or are deprived.

Sharon Wright became involved with the programme after being inspired to make a difference in the Burton area.

She told the Burton Mail: “When I learned about the charity I found it really interesting. The idea is so simple but makes such a difference to so many people. I am really excited about bringing free cakes for kids to Burton. It has such great potential.

“I love the thought of giving a cake to someone that really needs one. It is a really direct way of charity. Sometimes if you chuck a couple of quid in here or there you don’t see the outcome, but people who are baking for this cause will have an idea of who they will be helping.”

The cakes are made by volunteer bakers, who aim to ensure that no child goes without a birthday cake. The team received its first referral last week, for a seven-year-old girl.

Wright is hoping to branch out to recruit more bakers.

“A lot of people love to bake as it can be really relaxing,” she said. “You don’t have to be a professional to get involved. All we ask for is a decent cake. Your baking skills can be at any level, but if you have plenty of enthusiasm we would urge you to get on board. It is a really good, easy and fun way to make a difference.”