A POPULAR Helmsley cafe is this week unveiling its new extension which has seen the business double in size.

Crema took over the lease on the building next door to its original Borogate location last October, and has now finished converting the premises into one large site.

The building was previously a barbers, with multiple changes since being made to both buildings.

The expansion means the cafe will be double its original size, now seating up to 60 diners and allowing the business to cater for larger parties.

Crema now also has a bigger kitchen and a hot food license, so will be launching an extended menu.

Having run Crema for three years, when the lease next door became available owner Rachel Harrison felt it was too good an opportunity to let pass.

In 2012 she made a career change, taking voluntary redundancy from a 17-year role in accountancy at City of York Council, having always wanted to run her own cafe and having fallen in love with the town of Helmsley as a child.

Ms Harrison said: "The cafe was doing really well, and we had such a loyal and established customer base, that it seemed like the time was right to take the plunge and grow.

"The renovations took some time, as there was a lot of work needed to be done.

"All the work has been done by local tradesmen, who I have known for many years, and my very talented dad has done all the joinery and decorating work. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without him, so would like to say a big thank you."