A cake enthusiast is hoping her new business can capitalise on the excitement of the latest series of the Great British Bake Off to fund a £120,000 crowdfunding campaign.

Paula Wilkinson wants to launch a company which makes fresh cakes to order and delivers them anywhere in the UK through a network of home-based bakers around the country.

The mother-of-two from Maidstone was inspired to launch the firm, called Mums Bake Cakes, after she could not find a local baker to make a cake and deliver it to her seriously ill niece Davina Jones in Wales.

She ended up making one herself and taking it 300 miles to her much-loved niece, who sadly lost her battle with breast cancer, aged just 44.

Mrs Wilkinson was convinced the idea of recruiting scores of independent bakers had mileage and after a year signing up bakers across Kent, is aiming to raise cash to expand.

Customers look online for a baker in the location where they want a cake delivered, choose the product, delivery date and time, and place the order. Cakes are delivered free of charge to any address within 10 miles.

Mrs Wilkinson and business partner Richard Watson, from Chartham, near Canterbury, have launched the firm on crowdfunding website Seeders, with the aim of raising £120,000.

Investors can get a slice of the business for as little as £50. A total of 8% equity is for sale.

The campaign has raised £1,840 so far but the business is hoping for a boost with the Great British Bake Off getting underway on BBC 1 tonight.

Mrs Wilkinson said: “We have got off to a flying start, with talented bakers signing up with us every day. Everyone tells us what a great idea it is.

"We would love them to join us on our exciting journey and crowdfunding is a great way to be involved.

“This is the world’s opportunity to send a unique gift that can be eaten and enjoyed by all – and it’s only a click away.

“We believe this will boost our national and international profile, inform customers about the attractive service our talented bakers provide, and help more people – not only mums – develop successful businesses.”

Investors can pledge by visiting www.seedrs.com/mumsbakecakes

The campaign is open until Monday September 19.

The Great British Bake Off starts tonight at 8pm on BBC 1.