A WOMAN has achieved her lifelong dream of opening a cafe in the North-East.

Darlington mother-of-two Maggie Lock, 52, opened Maggie’s Place, in Duke Street, on Monday (May 20).

The cafe tries to make everything natural and homemade by getting its meat, bread and organic milk locally. It also displays the paintings of local artist Lisa House.

Mrs Lock wants a local cafe that combines customer service and quality.

She said: “When I came into town there was nowhere I could sit and relax and feel comfortable. I had somewhere in mind with soft colours, comfortable seats and good quality coffee and tea with homemade, fresh produce and a personal touch.”

A former air stewardess and United Nations worker, Mrs Lock moved back to Darlington ten years ago after spending 20 years in the south.

She moved back to the area in order to open a café but delayed her plans until recently in order to bring up her children.

She said: “You have to give 100 per cent and it is not easy to combine a business and children.”

Since her children have grown up, Mrs Lock started to build up her cafe staffed with friends and family members six weeks ago, when the property was completely empty.

She added: “The biggest challenge has been trying to get it all together at the same time, and it has taken a huge amount of time and effort to get it all done.

“It is not just about money, I have put myself into it and when I put personal energy into something it is nice as it becomes a reflection of me."

The cafe at 54 Duke Street is open from Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 4.30pm, closed on Sundays and bank holidays.