A NORTH-EAST mother who has spent 17 years caring for her autistic son has launched a tasty business venture – a cake shop.

Laurie Dobson, of Darlington says she is 'testing the water' with her business, Mrs Palmer's Pantry, in the town's Clark's Yard.

Although the business – which offers a sit-in and takeaway service, as well as afternoon teas – has been trading for the past few weeks, it was officially opened this weekend.

The tea rooms, named after Mrs Dobson's grandmother, from whom she got her passion for baking, will offer exclusively home-made treats.

Mrs Dobson, 54, said: "This is me stepping out on my own, after years of looking after my son Macauley, who recently turned 17.

"I have done quite a few part time courses over the past few years, and been to university, but this is my first business venture."

Among those courses was a class in creme patissiere, to boost Mrs Dobson's baking credentials.

She does all the baking for her business herself.

Darlington's mayor and mayoress, Gerald and Ruth Lee, cut the ribbon and officially opened the quaint tearoom on Saturday.

Dressed in a vintage uniform, Mrs Dobson welcomed crowds into the cosy shop for an afternoon of free tea and cake.

She said: "I'm hoping to bring a little bit of nostalgia to Darlington and to give myself a different focus.

"I've done it all myself and I'd tell others with a dream to just go for it – it will either work or it won't."

A charity raffle was held at the launch with all proceeds being split between St Teresa's Hospice and a charity supporting carers.