After 145 years in business, the Firkins and Wollaston bakery chain closed with the loss of 100 jobs. The shop at the top of The Fountain Arcade, in Dudley Market Place was taken over privately to continue to supply fresh baked bread and pastries.

Last Saturday evening, a teenager under the influence of alcohol decided to smash the windows of several shops in the town centre, one of them being Wollaston Bakery.

The other shops were part of larger chains (such as River Island) - but Wollaston Bakery is not - the window will cost thousands to replace, but the excess payment to the insurance is £250. The owner contemplated shutting the business altogether, but has now got a bank loan to cover it, meaning she will be paying back the best part of £400 after interest and charges.

We, as Dudley shoppers, should pull together and help where we can - and if we all just gave a couple of pounds to this cause to support this local business in it's hour of need.

I will be the first to donate a fiver to the fund... Please help out by donating... no matter how little, every bit will help keep this bakery open.

Thank you.