THE owners of a champagne bar are planning to extend their premises to cope with demand.

Business has been brisk at Crooners, in Houndgate Mews, Darlington, since it opened in August, with customers often having to be turned away because of a lack of room.

But that could all soon change, as the owners father and daughter team Ian Ferguson and Victoria Ameen-Ali, are planning to takeover a neighbouring vacant unit to give more space.

Subject to a license being granted, the pair hope to have the extra space available to customers ahead of the Christmas party season.

It is planned to use the new space as a private function room, with the area doubling as extra bar space during peak times.

Meanwhile, the bar is one of a number of Darlington businesses taking part in a pink-themed event to raise funds for charity.

The event, on Friday (October 26), will include a raffle and tombola and a range of pink drinks – including rose champagne and cocktails – will be on sale.

A donation of 75p from every pink drink sold this weekend will be donated to Cancer Research UK.

Cancer support is a source close to the heart of Mr Ferguson and Mrs Ameen-Ali.

She said: “My dad’s brother, Martin Ferguson, died of cancer a few years ago and my mam and dad have seen a few of their friends affected.”

The charity event starts from noon tomorrow and runs throughout the day.

For more information, call the bar on 01325-788017.