At an age when most people are looking forward to retirement Malcolm and Janet Hughes were putting in 16-hour days to get a business venture off the ground.

This time last year they were working round the clock to transform a derelict former sports club near Saltaire into a bakery.

Now, 12 months on, Hughes (Family Bakers) Ltd - which supplies Yorkshire Co-ops, has four shops in Bradford and Keighley and incorporates Hirst Wood Catering - is established at Hirst Wood, having re-located from its former headquarters at Girlington Road, Bradford.

The move has enabled Mr Hughes, 65, and his 62-year-old wife to branch out into in-house catering by opening a hospitality suite, for funeral teas, wedding receptions and company conferences at the Hirst Wood Bakery on Hirst Lane.

And the couple are planning to open a second suite at the former M's Sports Club this year.

Mr Hughes, who has been in business for more than 40 years and employs some 75 people, said: "We wanted to move into in-house catering but didn't have the room to expand at our previous premises. The building at Hirst Wood was in a dreadful state but as soon as we saw it we knew it was the right place and could see its potential.

"This time last year there was no water, electricity or gas, no ceiling and we had to walk across planks as all the floorboards had been pinched. We employed builders but were also helping out ourselves - it was a huge task and we were putting in 16-hour days to get it ready.''

Mr Hughes, who has three grandchildren, added: "I should be retired really but can't ever see myself just stopping and doing nothing.''

Mrs Hughes said: "People who knew what a horrendous state the building was in just a year ago are absolutely amazed when they come back and see what it's like now.''