A family-run bakery and deli has opened in Romford town centre to replace a former charity shop.

Dulce, a Romanian cake and pastry chain, opened its South Street branch this month, co-owner Paula Iliescu confirmed.

Paula, 37,  runs the business with her husband Alex and they opened their first Romford branch in The Brewery 12 years ago. But she said it was time to expand.

Dulce, which means "sweet" in Romanian, has another location in Hainault, but Paula said Romford was especially important to her, prompting her to open a second branch in the town.

"We're used to Romford now - we've been there for so long," Paula said. "It was the first branch we opened [in The Brewery] so we wanted to stay in the area."

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Dulce offers items including smoked meat, stuffed cabbage and hot platters.

But they also serve teas, coffees and pastries via an early-morning hatch open from 6.30am until 10am daily.

Dulce's regular opening hours are 10am until 8pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am until 6pm on Sunday.