A NATIONAL organisation has celebrated its 60th anniversary with a taste of Saffron Walden.

Emerging local businesses Love Little Cakes and The Saffron Ice Cream Company were selected to help the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) mark its milestone.

Laura Gabell and Dominic Parry, the respective owners of the two businesses, touted their goods for the celebratory drinks reception and barbecue held in London last night (Wednesday).

Mrs Gabell, who caters for weddings, christenings and birthdays, made 100 cupcakes decorated with the NCTJ logo for the event.

“My cakes are very decorative but ultimately they also taste nice – they have got to have that wow factor,” she said.

“I have only just started out so it is fantastic to be involved with the NCTJ for this event.”

The Saffron Ice Cream Company supplies numerous local food outlets, as well as Saffron Screen and Audley End Miniature Railway. Mr Parry, who launched the company last year, made three different flavoured ice creams for the party.

He said: “Every product is handmade and comes in biodegradable containers. We produce natural, seasonal ice cream and use local ingredients.

“It is very much about giving that personal touch.”

He added: “It is great to be involved with this event and nice to support a national company which is based locally.”

Despite being the premier scheme for budding journalists in the UK, the NCTJ is based in Newport, near to the railway station.

Chief executive Joanne Butcher said: “We wanted our party guests who are travelling from all over the country to get a flavour of what Saffron Walden has to offer.

“We would like to thank Love Little Cakes and the Saffron Ice Cream Company for providing editors, journalists, journalism trainers and students with such lovely birthday treats.”

Company details:

Love Little Cakes

Web: lovelittlecakes.co.uk

Phone: 07826 523283

E-mail: hello@lovelittlecakes.co.uk

The Saffron Ice Cream Company

Web: saffronicecream.co.uk

Phone: 01799 589878

E-mail: hello@saffronicecream.co.uk

Address: The Plough Shed, Parsonage Farm, Henham, CM22 6AN