A FORMER takeaway owner has swapped fast food for frills and home-made scones.

Kathy Richardson has stepped back in time and opened a tea room "just like grandma's front room".

The Village Tea Room, in Market Street, Little Lever, opened six weeks ago and is already proving a hit.

There is room for 28 customers to sip teas such as Darjeeling, Assam and Earl Grey from china cups and enjoy home-made scones and cakes, while they take in the lace doilies and chintz of the traditional setting.

Mrs Richardson, aged 46, of Little Lever, has run takeaways and cafes before but had always dreamed of opening somewhere where home cooking and quality service were top priorities.

She said: "I make all the cakes myself as well as pies and traditional roast dinners on a Sunday.

"This is what I've always fancied running. I've done it up to look like just like your grandma's front room and we're keeping very busy.

"We've even been a hit with teenagers who love the range of teas we have on offer."