Six cousins set out to make £20 at their cake sale, but instead came back with almost £500.

Alice and Emily Fox, George and Mabel Hamilton and Elliot and Ivy Wiseall, aged between three and eight, created the ‘Secret Cousin Club’ to raise money for a local charity.

By hosting a cake sale outside their grandparents’ house, in Bateman Road, Croxley Green, the youngsters made £479 for Rickmansworth Foodbank, on August 16.

George, 8, said: "When Alice and me had the idea we were worried we wouldn't even make £20. In the end we beat that just with advance orders." 

His six-year-old sister Mabel added: "I made rhubarb and custard cupcakes, my brother made yo-yo biscuits and my cousin Emily made marshmallow cupcakes.

"We all made lots of cakes and we were so excited when people bought them."

Inspired by their grandfather, Michael Hambleton, a Foodbank volunteer, they wanted to raise money for the centre that provides emergency food and advice for local people.

Iris Bangs, Foodbank co-ordinator, said: “The children did such a tremendous job. The money they raised will be a great help for us and they baked such a delicious range of cakes and biscuits.

“They would have made Mary Berry proud.”