A POPULAR bakery and cafe run by a charity helping troubled youngsters has celebrated a relaunch.

Clervaux Artisan Bakery and Café, on Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, proved its relaunch was anything but half-baked as it showed off a new organic shop and refurbished building.

The bakery is run by the Clervaux Trust charity, which offers education and work experience to troubled youngsters, including those excluded from school and those needing long-term care due to learning disabilities, mental health issues or complex social needs.

The much-loved establishment closed down and partially reopened in September this year.

Its official relaunch on Wednesday, November 18, gave local businesses, politicians and members of the community a chance to see the new-look Bishop's House, organic shop and refurbished building.

Guests also sampled the organic food grown by young people on the 100-acre Clowbeck Farm in Croft-on-Tees.

On the eco-farm the youngsters also engage in activities including woodwork, blacksmithing and animal care to help with their independence and employability.

Mark Snowball, the charity's head of operations and provisions, thanked supporters of the charity and café manager Davey Babooram and his team for working so hard to relaunch the project.

Mr Snowball said: "The importance of inclusion is huge for our young people, the Café and Bakery give them that opportunity. To see the food and produce that you have grown throughout the year be served to members of the public is something special. This is Clervaux’s vision and ethos, seed to table."

A letter from Saskia, a resident of Clervaux Trust, was also shared, which read: "The work I have done at the Café over the last two years has given me the confidence to go to Darlington College and do a catering course. I want to thank the staff at the Café for helping me."

Mayor of Darlington Councillor Tom Nutt said: "What a fantastic charity this is and what a brilliant opportunity for the young people of Darlington. I wish Clervaux Trust luck for the future”.

Mayor Nutt then officially opened the Bakery and Café by slicing into a loaf of bread made by students and baker Mel Hull earlier that day.

The Clervaux Café and Bakery is open from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 4pm, offering a seasonal menu from freshly cooked local produce.