Plans for the first vegetarian cafe in Huddersfield's town centre have been brought to the table in a bid to fill a large gap in the town’s ‘diverse and progressive’ foodie scene.

The sights and smells of falafel, tofu kebabs and vegan macaroni cheese could soon take over the area’s streets if the project started up by a group of residents pans out.

It is just one of the ideas that has been mooted ahead of the town’s second annual vegan festival which is due to open its doors to the public at Queensgate Market on Saturday, November 1.

One of the pioneers heading the scheme, which will begin its search for a £15,000 grant to turn their dream into a reality, is Jessica Sankey. She hopes the permanent cafe will help put the town on the veggie-friendly map.

Currently there is only one other vegetarian-only cafe, The World Peace Cafe, in the area in Birkby, which only opens over the weekend.

Jessica, 29, a freelance teacher in Huddersfield, said: “We feel a veggie or vegan cafe would go down really well in Huddersfield.

“It’s really surprising to me and my friends, as we all know a lot of people who are very much into vegan, vegetarian and sustainable lifestyles in the area but for some reason there isn’t anywhere with a full veggie menu anywhere in the town centre.

“This is really odd because, just like Nicholas Crane said in his Town episode on the BBC a year or so ago, we think Huddersfield is a really progressive and diverse town with real community spirit.

”We’ve talked to a lot of people and think that a cafe combined with a community centre that would benefit community causes and would be run by local people, including artists, musicians, actors, singers, comedians, chefs, would be great and would be a fantastic addition to the centre.

“We are open to ideas from Kirklees Council about this, though have not approached them directly yet and know that we need to examine all the options, but at the moment it looks as if a co-operative could be a suitable model.”

They want vegetarians , vegans and meat eaters interested in their vision to come along to their first meeting at 2pm at the fair which is being held to celebrate World Vegan Day.

Organised by Holmfirth resident, Chrissy Leyland and other members of the Vegan Approach group, she hopes it will promote an animal product free lifestyle and break down myths and stereotypes about the diet.

Samples of everything from chocolate to hot food, goody bags, workshops and activities for all ages will be on offer, alongside lots of information on how to whizz up anything from a quick mid week meal to a vegan feast.

She said: “The event was really successful last year and just want to give people more information about trying a vegan lifestyle.

“It has so many benefits. It’s great for health, the environment and animals and want everyone to come – vegans or not.”

For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/events/278898528978182