A FUN day with 50s theme has been held to celebrate plans to preserve a popular café for posterity.

Beamish Museum in County Durham is going to replicate John’s Cafe, which was on the Front Street, in Wingate, and was a favourite spot with many local people in the 1950s.

It is part of the living history museum’s plans to build a 1950s town, including a replica of John’s, featuring the interior of the original cafe, which was collected by the museum in 2013.

The fun day was held at Wingate Community Association on Saturday.

People were able to find out more about the project and share their memories of John’s Café, as well as sample some items from the menu.

Geraldine Straker, the Remaking Beamish project officer, said: “We were excited to hold holding an event to celebrate John’s Cafe in Wingate.

“There was 50s music, hairdressing and toys and games to play with.

“Wanda, Beamish’s 50s caravan, was there and you could even try some of the menu items from John’s Cafe including hot Vimto and oxtail soup with crisps stirred in.”

John’s Cafe was run by John (Giovanni) Parisella and was at the heart of the village in the 1950s, particularly popular with young people. The cafe closed in 2005 after John’s death.

The interior of the front area of the original cafe, including wooden booths, bar, display units, frosted glass windows and interior doors, was collected by Beamish and will be given a new home in the planned replica of John’s.

The 1950s Town is part of the £17m scheme, which also includes plans for a Georgian coaching inn where visitors can stay overnight.