A GARDEN centre is to nearly double the size of its cafe facilities.

Family-run Cherry Hill Garden Centre, near Hemlington and Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, will open a large patio.

Since opening in 2004, the cafe has more than doubled its staff to cope with increasing numbers of customers.

Manager Debbie Williams said: "Our customer base has increased dramatically since we opened two years ago as we have continually increased what we offer to include Sunday lunches and afternoon teas. The popularity of the cafe has meant that we have recently had to start a takeaway service. People just don't have the time to bake these days, but there is still a huge appetite for homemade cakes."

Cherry Hill was established by Norman Wall in 1963 and is run by his two daughters, Janet Summers and Judie Livingstone, and son-in-law Paul Stamp.

The traditional nursery has been transformed into a garden centre, with a landscaping department and an aquatics centre.

The cafe offers a menu of homemade food, including a range of pies, mince and dumplings and a traditional Sunday roast, as well as a variety of cakes, scones and afternoon teas.

Ms Summers said: "Our cafe is a tremendous success and people now visit us for this alone.

"Obviously, summer is our busiest time, so we are extending the seating area to include an outdoor patio, which will have some of the best views in the Tees Valley."