THE credit crunch has taken another bite out of a market town’s high street traders, with the closure of a popular and award-winning cafe.

The Cafe, in Northallerton High Street, which had been in business for the past six years, closed its doors at the weekend.

Removal contractors were on the scene today, taking away fixtures and fittings.

The Cafe is a former winner in the Flavours of Hambleton awards, which recognise the district’s leading food producers.

Its owner and director, James Butterfield, a former senior chef de partie at the renowned golf resort Hotel Fregate Bandol, on the Cote D’Azure, in France, said the recession had hit the business hard.

In a statement, posted on The Cafe’s website, Mr Butterfield said the closure would be "difficult to get over".

He said: "Due to the continued difficult financial climate, regrettably, The Cafe has had to stop trading.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all customers who have supported us over the past six years.

"The Cafe has been a huge part of my life for this time, and achieved much to be proud of.

"It will be difficult to get over.

"I must make a special mention to the staff who have worked for me, especially Andrea, Matthew and above all, Fiona, who has shown dedication, enthusiasm and loyalty far and beyond anything I could have asked for.

"I now plan to spend some time with the most important people in my life, who I have really put through the mill, recharge and then start to look for the next opportunity."

Mr Butterfield received an outstanding achievement award from Flavours of Hambleton in 2007.

Customers hoping to visit The Cafe today were met with a sign informing them of the closure.

Passer-by Catherine Denton was hoping to take the weight off her feet after a morning of retail therapy.

She said: "This is an unexpected shock.

"The last time I popped in, which was a few months ago, The Cafe seemed to be doing a fairly brisk business.

"It will be a real miss, I used to like sitting outside when the weather was nice.

"The staff were always friendly and food was excellent."