AN award winning wedding cake designer is fighting to save her burgeoning business after expressing fears she could be deported.

Anmar Robinson is originally from South Africa but has been living permanently in Aldeburgh since 2010 when she married a British citizen. She entered the UK on a spouse visa and after two years of being in the country she qualified for indefinite leave to remain.

However the breakdown of her marriage means she has been unable to apply for the new status and could have to leave the UK next month when her current visa expires. If this were to happen it would mean the end to her successful wedding cake company, CRUMB - Bespoke Suffolk Cakes, which recently won Best Wedding Cake Designer in the East of England at the Wedding Industry awards.

Mrs Robinson, whose maiden name is Odendal, said: “Obviously my business means the world to me. I have built it up from scratch and I am going to extreme lengths to try and save it. I have worked extremely hard since day one in the UK. I have been offered investment and if I can stay I will be able to open a premises and employ people, which will add even more to our community and the economy.”

Mrs Robinson also works as a sous chef at the White Lion Hotel, is a member of the Aldeburgh Business Association and is a founder of the Suffolk Coastal sisterhood branch of the WI. On Saturday she is set to meet with Suffolk Coastal MP Therese Coffey to discuss her case.

“The Border Agency has asked for me to prove to them that I have built a ‘private life’ in the UK by collecting letters of support from everyone I know,” she continued. “The people of Aldeburgh have really taken my story to heart and the response has been massive.”

A spokesman for the UK Border Agency said: “Mrs Robinson has not been told to leave the UK. The UK Border Agency has provided her with information explaining the options open to her and we will consider any application she submits. At present we have no record of having received an application from her to extend her stay in the UK.” To support Mrs Robinson visit www.crumb-bespokesuffolkcakes.com, email letanmarstayintheuk@gmail.com, log onto CRUMB’s page on website Facebook or follow the campaign’s progress on Twitter @Let_Anmar_Stay.