Ruddi’s Retreat has bounced back with a new fundraising cafe.

The Linthwaite-based charity has opened its new base on Manchester Road following the forced closure of its bistro on the opposite side of the street in January this year.

Called Ruddi’s Tea Shop and Treat Rooms, the charity’s team hope that it will help them raise much-needed funds to buy a holiday lodge for children battling serious illnesses or coping with bereavement.

It is the latest venture for the charity, named after Ruddi Waterworth-Jones, 6, a young cancer survivor, which offers caravan respite breaks at Primrose Valley, near Filey.

Ruddi

Its opening has been an emotional one for Ali Jones, founder of the charity, who has been helping to rebuild morale in the charity’s team that was further damaged following break-ins at their caravans.

She said: “It’s such a relief to open it after what happened earlier in the year but I’m feeling really good about it and am very excited.

“After the bistro closure and break-ins people have really rallied around us so I think we now have a lot more support from the community than we had before.”

She and her team have transformed the former Spring hairdressers site into a vintage tea room, that sells lunches and snacks and also has a sweet shop.

They hope that by renting the space at a much lower cost than the rent for the bistro and using a team of three volunteers supported by one paid cook they will be able to make it a success.

Ali said: “Absolutely everything inside has been donated to us by people and other charities, such as One Good Turn, who donated the furniture.

“The community have said they’ll support us so we hope it will go really well.”

Other people have volunteered their time to help paint, decorate, clean, sew bunting, make curtains.

Kate Stanley , head of fundraising for Ruddi’s Retreat, said: “Afternoon teas will also be available, we’ve taken steps to engage local groups who put on activities and are open for group and private bookings.

“We also hope to launch a Baby Bistro run through Locala, which will ensure parents of young babies are supported in their feeding choices.

“We couldn’t have done all this without the fantastic support of local trades people and local people who have generously volunteered their time.”

Ruddi’s Retreat will host a fun day at the tea rooms on Bank Holiday Monday from noon to 3pm to celebrate its opening.

The tea rooms are open from 9 to 4pm Monday to Friday and on weekends from 11am to 3pm.