AN AMBLESIDE bakery has cause for celebration after 40 years in business.

The Apple Pie cafe and bakery, on Rydal Road, played host to the special birthday festivities attended by around 150 staff, ex-employees, suppliers and customers.

David Fielding opened up the eatery in 1975 in what was a garage repair shop with a pit.

Now he and wife Ann Fielding, who joined the team while on a university vacation in 1979, offer fresh bread, cakes and pies seven days a week and have more than a 100 seats in the popular cafe.

"We've had people with us for 40 years and there are regulars who come from further away," said Ann. "It's a family business with my eldest son Simon is involved and my youngest son Richard is planning to get involved in December."

From humble beginnings the business now does coffees, lunches, afternoon teas and even expanded into accommodation four years ago.

At the 40th party there were demonstrations of how to make fat rascals, 'an old favourite', as well as bath buns.

Drinks and nibbles were accompanied by music from Fiona Hanlon and guests raised £300 which will be donated to charity.

Ann added: "We are very optimistic about the future with the next generation taking the lead."