A new cake shop which runs purely on honesty and goodwill has opened in Goldhanger.

Operating as an 'honesty box', The Cake Stop is unmanned. Passers-by are invited to take what they wish and pop the correct cash into the money box or pay via the PayPal information given inside. 

Danielle, who moved to Goldhanger in October, launched The Cake Stop after looking for a way to balance her love of baking with parenting her two children.

All bakes are made fresh on the day by Danielle, and are individually wrapped, labelled with allergens and then priced.

"Our village doesn't have any shops, so it seemed like a perfect opportunity." Danielle told Nub News.

"Since moving here I've often wanted a sweat treat of a weekend, and sometimes the thought of driving to the nearest shop stops me so I thought this would be a great asset to Goldhanger and neighbouring villages.

"We get lots of dog walkers and loads of people walk down this road, so it's a great opportunity for someone on a nice sunny day on their walk just to pick up something.

"It always makes people's days better."

The pale pink lock box is attached to a fence on Maldon Road, CM9 8BD. It is replenished every Friday, Saturday and sometimes Sunday, with a constantly changing menu.

Since opening four weeks ago, Danielle has sold out most days.

"So far the response I've got is quite overwhelming," she said.

"I've got a lot of returning customers and they're really happy with the cake. They like the concept that they can pop out on their walk on a Friday night, and stock up on goodies.

"I've had people from Colchester, from Maldon. I think because there isn't anything similar locally, it's something quite quirky too.

"It's also been quite nice to have the creativity and try different bakes and not be limited as I would be if I was taking orders and baking and selling from home."

The 'honesty box' replicates similar business ventures in remote areas like the Lake District, where homeowners offer bottled water and snacks to visiting hikers where typical shops are not necessarily available. 

Despite the risks that her business could be taken advantage of, Danielle says she'd had no worries since opening.

"Since moving here and thinking of the idea, I haven't had any doubt. I knew people would be honest, it's quite a close-knit community," she told us.

"So far there hasn't been any days where I've looked at my takings and have been short, if anything, I've been overpaid!"

The bakes Danielle has offered so far include victoria sponge, lemon drizzle, brownies, blondies, mini chocolate bars, cornflake squares and more.

The Cake Stop is council registered and is currently awaiting a hygiene inspection. Danielle also holds a Level 2 hygiene and safety certificate, has undergone allergen training and is fully insured.