FINDING out she had a life-changing health condition led to a new career for Mandy Savage.

When doctors diagnosed her with Coeliac Disease, meaning she is allergic to gluten and wheat free foods she found it difficult to buy the right products.

But instead of getting frustrated Miss Savage, from Bishop Auckland, decided to set up her own gluten-free bakery instead and now has a regular stall at Stockton Farmers' Market.

As well as bread she makes over 30 gluten free products, with a tasty range of pies, quiches, scones and muffins and Christmas cakes.

She said: “I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease after going through six long years of tests from doctors who couldn’t work out what was wrong with me.

“I woke up one morning and my whole face was swollen. I looked like I had been in the boxing ring with Mike Tyson - the swelling would subside and then a few weeks later I would swell up again.

“I was 38 when diagnosed and had been eating a normal diet until this time. I was told to go gluten free and did some shopping around, but found it very hard to change and very difficult to find nice food that I could actually enjoy.

“So that turned out to be real inspiration, and I had a dream that one day I would have my own online shop that sells gluten-free food that everyone could enjoy."

Stockton Farmers’ Market will be held on the High Street on Saturday, October 25 from 9am to 3pm. Find out more glutenfreefoodproducts.co.uk