A former theatre set designer turned professional baker has scooped a top business award for her luxury cake company.

Rachel Hill received the award for Streatham’s Favourite Business for her cake enterprise Rachelle’s, which specialises in high-end wedding cakes, as well as supplying smaller treats to cafes on Streatham High Road.

Ms Hill, who started her business in 2008 from her home in Christian Fields, Norbury, beat off stiff competition from more than 100 businesses to win the title.

She said: “Rachelle’s was a combination of my two passions - cooking and design. I never thought it would take off.

“I grew my business from nothing when people didn’t want to spend money and I’ve turned it into a complete success.”

Two family-run businesses on the High Road, I Love Coffee and Charles Carter Hair, were listed as runners-up.

Presenting the awards, councillor Sally Prentice, cabinet member for employment and enterprise at Lambeth Council, said: “It’s the first time we’ve had a Streatham Favourite Business Award and it’s great that so many of you have participated.

“I’m looking forward to it being even better and encouraging even more businesses to enter next year.”

The awards, organised by South London Business, Lambeth Council and the London Mayor’s Outer London Fund, will be followed by a borough wide competition later this year.

Visit the South London Business website for more information.