A former teaching assistant has swapped textbooks for oven gloves and opened her own vegan bakery.

Grace Apps and her partner Ashley James opened Vegan Antics in Gravesend High Street to teach customers about the wonders of vegan food.

The bakery sells a host of sweet treats, including brownies, waffles and cakes.

The 21-year-old, from Denton, has been vegan for two years and was a vegetarian for eight.

She said: “Veganism has grown so much in the last few years and it is not just about the animals but the health and environmental benefits.

“There needs to be more options for vegans.”

Grace first became vegetarian at 11 after watching a video at school. She was then inspired by the healthier lifestyle she felt veganism offered.

Ashley became vegan five years ago after suffering from stomach acidic problems from eating meat.

The couple named the business in memory of their first dinner dates. They would post photos of their meal with the caption #veganantics.

Grace first launched the business online and made cakes to order at home. She said: “After a few months I was shipping orders all over the country and got some large wholesale deals. I ran out of space and ovens.”

Two years of hard work to get the savings they needed to open a shop followed.

On the day of Vegan Antics’ launch Grace and Ashley hardly left the kitchen. She said: “It was chaotic, we sold out twice. Weekends are really busy for us.”

The store also caters for those with allergies to ingredients such as gluten, and non-vegans are also becoming fans.

Grace said: “There is a big perception that vegan products are made of kale and cashew, but they aren’t. It tastes of normal cake.

“Buying from small businesses is something people should consider.

“Our products are made with care, time and love. I know vegan food might not be for everyone but I would like non-vegans to know about us, too, and know we sell normal and tasty foods.”