When mum Cindie Shirley was on the school run, she noticed a tiny empty shop in Walderslade Village.

Until then Cindie, 32, had been helping her mother Shirley Bliss and sister Melanie Lake with their mobile catering business.

But the family, who all live in Walderslade, had been talking about getting a permanent place to serve up their home-made cakes and freshly-brewed tea. So what could be better than this vacant premises right on their doorstep?

A phone call to Shirley and a chat with Melanie and overnight the ladies had picked up the keys.

That was exactly a year ago and since then they have built up Bliss Tea Rooms – a flourishing little cafe with a constant flow of customers.

The tea shop has a modern, but classic theme selling American-style pancakes to scones and dainty finger sandwiches.

And the tea room has become the home for Shirley’s much-loved collection of vintage crockery collected over the years.

Shirley’s husband Graham, a carpenter and joiner, refurbished the room which now seats 18 customers

Shirley, 59, gave up her job at the X-ray department at the Spire Alexandra Hospital in Walderslade because of ill heath two years ago.

The mum-of-four has always baked and encouraged her children to help out from a young age.

The mother and daughters team started doing tea parties at people’s homes for pampering afternoons and birthday parties.

Now Melanie, 36, and her sister-in-law Karen do most of the baking at home three times a week and Cindie handles the marketing and accounts.

Shirley, who has five grandchildren, said: “Like all families we have our moments but we do get on and bounce ideas off each other. I love coming to work even though some days it can be exhausting.

“I enjoy chatting to people and am sure I could write a book one day of things I have been told. And I still like to cook a meal when I get home.”

Cindie who is married to Bobby and has a four year-old son Edward, prefers to stay out of the kitchen.

She said: “Mum tried to teach me to bake, but it didn’t work with me. I prefer to come up with ideas. Shirley and Graham moved to Walderslade 48 years ago and their family grew up in the area.

“It was important to them to establish their first business near their homes but Cindie now has plans to expand. She said: “It would be nice to get a second, larger place in a few years.”