A BRIDPORT cafe has celebrated the success of its first year in business.

Maria's Pantry in Bridport is a tea room and cafe that offers local produce to its guests from breakfast through to afternoon tea.

The business opened its doors last August in the West Bay Business Park, making it accessible to the residents of Bridport, Dottery, Salway Ash and the surrounding villages.

Maria Winters, the cafe owner has been in Bridport all her life.

Studying her profession at Weymouth Catering College for two-years allowed her to embark on her new career.

The success of Maria's Pantry has produced a steady increase of requests from outside cooking services in the last 12 months.

Maria said: "In 12 months we've become a real social hub, and that's exactly what I wanted - to add to the community.

"The range of things I've been asked to do is fabulous.

"So far this includes events for the Mayor, after hours parties, business meetings, funerals and celebration cakes."

Half a mile out of the town centre, just beyond Allington, Maria's Pantry is a refreshment stop for walkers, cyclists and tourists heading through the Marshwood Vale.

Maria uses predominantly Bridport suppliers, such as Balson's Butchers.

Maria said: "Farmers pop in for breakfast, in fact there was even an early morning stag event."

In an attempt to keep up the social atmosphere, on the first Wednesday of each month there's an organised social afternoon beginning at 2pm.

Maria said: "We've got word games such as Scrabble and cards so it's great opportunity for anyone to come and have a cup of tea and piece of cake and make new friends of all ages."