A top Italian pastry chef has set up her business in Teddington and is showcasing her amazing gingerbread creations in an eye-catching shop window display at Café Benedict in the High Street.

Vittoria Vanni's enticing offerings include gingerbread houses and gingerbread men all specially decorated for Christmas.

She and her family, who are originally from Milan, realised her own dream of setting up her own bakery Sweet Dreams but the COVID-19 pandemic impact in Italy made her re-evaluate her life and she recently moved to Teddington, a favourite place with her parents.

Vittoria told Nub News said: "For Christmas we decided to offer only gingerbread creations, from houses, to gingerbread men, to jars with the preparation to make at home.

"We like to think that homes in and around Teddington can smell of ginger and cinnamon thanks to us.

"Unfortunately, it will be a different Christmas from the previous ones, but at least it will smell of good and memories."

She added: "Unfortunately, with the spread of the Covid19 pandemic, like many others I found myself having to face a dramatic situation, suffering the consequences.

"The forced closure of my business which lasted for months led me to reflect of rebirth so I took the opportunity to move with my family and restart from here, Teddington, one of the places my parents loved to go when they were young."

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Soon after her arrival in Teddington and getting to know the area she stumbled across the recently-opened Café Benedict and tracked down the owner Ben Phillips and offered her unique services, which he enthusiastically accepted.

"I am sure it is fate that I discovered Ben and his fantastic café. We have had a brilliant response already and I am really grateful for the support and welcome we have received in Teddington."

Café Benedict owner, Ben Phillips said: "Vittoria's stunning creations offering something different and unique for the café and its customers. We are thrilled to be working together and supporting her new life and business in Teddington."