A FREE family fun day will mark the relaunch of the restaurant at The Station, Richmond, following an extensive refurbishment.

The previous restaurant, Season’s, shut suddenly in May when the bailiffs moved in and since then the space was first used as a picnic-style area and later as a cafe offering basic food.

Now the area has been transformed into The Station Café|Bar and boasts a varied menu using local produce and freshly prepared food from award-winning head chef Gareth Bottomley and his team.

Mr Bottomley is a former executive chef at The CB Inn in Arkengarthdale and his wife, Emma, will take over management of the Café|Bar.

The ownership will remain within the Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust, under a separate trading arm known as RPBT Enterprises.

This means that any profits will go back into RBPT projects.

The launch event to celebrate the new venue takes place on Saturday September 22, with a free family day.

There will be face painters, balloon modelling and magic shows throughout the day.