A VOLUNTEER-run cafe has reopened its doors after a major refurbishment.

The café in the grounds of St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham has welcomed its first customers since undergoing a makeover.

Rita Brown, one of the dedicated team of volunteers who run the cafe, said: “It has been so lovely to return to the café after all the work has been completed.

“We really missed the place and each other. While the refurbishment took place we still met up once a week to keep the connection between us as we have volunteered together for eight years now.

“The café has such a lovely atmosphere and people don’t realise they can just call in for a drink or a bite to eat.”

The cafe, which raises much-needed funds for the hospice, is open to the general public from Monday to Friday, from 10am to 4pm each day.

Free parking is available in the hospice grounds.

The refurbishment was funded by a grant from Banks Community Fund, BGL Group and the friends and family of Wendy Charlton.