A POPULAR cake shop in a Borders town is to close after Christmas due to escalating costs, it has emerged.

Elle Hobson, owner of Harpers Cake Shop at 9 North Bridge Street, Hawick, has taken the decision with a “heavy heart” – but will continue cooking and selling cakes.

In a message to customers on the shop’s Facebook page, she said: “It is with a heart heart that we tell you that Harpers Cake Shop will close its doors after Christmas.

“With the price of ingredients nearly doubling, energy bills through the roof and only being busy when items are drastically discounted we can’t justify trading any longer.

“Myself and the girls have exhausted our options and are really gutted we have come to this.

“The shop will close but Harpers Cake Shop won’t be gone completely. I plan to continue on with celebration cakes, occasions and wholesale.”

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Elle thanked loyal customers for their support and co-workers Donna and Alix, adding: “Don’t panic. There’s no changes made to the current bookings and I hope to receive many more for the New Year. Please get in touch.

“We would love to keep in high spirits during this tough time and we do hope you continue to support our shop until the end”.

Customers have responded with messages of sadness and support, one posting on the site: “I am so gutted for you. You’ve worked so hard and built up such a great business. The shop looks amazing and your bakes are fab. Truly sorry, it will be a big miss.”

Another added: “So sad to hear this – best caramel brownies ever.”