A bakehouse and brewery business has been able to expand after securing a cash grant.

Docker, based at Folkestone harbour, successfully applied for £7,152 from the Folkestone Community Works programme.

The fund was set up after Folkestone & Hythe District Council secured £2.5millioin from the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund.

It is aimed to help people in the East, Central and Harbour wards of Folkestone build businesses and increase employment.

Docker founders Pete Nelson and Wes Burden used their grant to buy equipment that increased their capacity, meaning they could also employ a part-time delivery driver.

Mr Nelson said: “We were able to double the amount we could produce, and hiring Russ Smith to help with deliveries meant we could also expand our market.

“We can now deliver all across east Kent and it’s fantastic to see the business grow.”

Docker started in April 2016 in an old shipping container at the harbour. The pair now employ five people.

As well as the harbour, where they trade Wednesday to Saturday, they also have a base at the Goods Shed in Canterbury, open Tuesday to Saturday.

Folkestone Community Works currently has grants available to organisations wanting to deliver business support services, or create office space for new and start-up businesses.

Business support projects should help potential and existing entrepreneurs, self-employed people and existing firms within the Folkestone Community Works area to grow and develop their businesses. The minimum grant is £20,000 plus £20,000 match-funding by the applicant, and the maximum grant is £225,000. Smaller innovative projects will be considered.

Projects to create good quality, flexible office space and business accommodation, or creative space for individuals and teams, can apply for a grant of up to £525,000. The minimum for individual projects is £100,000, plus £100,000 match-funding.

The deadline to apply is 5pm on Monday, June 3.