A NEW-STYLE café, designed to be a hub for the community, has been opened in Morrison's on Guisborough’s High Street.

The supermarket has taken over and redeveloped the former Specsavers and Clinton Cards shops on the Mews to create a 146 seat café, accessible through the store. The development of the former Cards store will be welcomed as it has been regarded as an eyesore since being closed several years ago.

The café will provide light meals, snacks cakes and hot drinks, and has been the subject of considerable investment by the firm. The venture has provided 20 permanent jobs, with only two being transferred from current staff, and will be managed by Louise Kennedy, who cut a specially baked cake for the opening recently.

Peter Farrell, café area specialist for Morrison’s, said: “Our cafes are very, very popular. In our smaller stores like the one in Guisborough, our cafes tend to be the hub of the community and our customers locally have said that they wanted a Morrison’s Café for some time, as we offer great value for money and a great place for people to meet up, and have a hot drink together.

"(It is) quite difficult at the moment with Covid. but it will tend to be a hub for the community so, hopefully, once when we get back to a bit more normal it will be a centre for the community.”