A Sunderland community centre has launched its own cafe serving food just “like what your grandma would make”.

The Tansy Centre, in Church Street, South Hylton, opened its very own cafe on Monday, July 27, serving a range of paninis, sandwiches, cakes and scones – giving it a “patisserie feel”.

All food is make on site by the centre’s volunteers, who help with the cooking, cleaning and serving of food.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the cafe, centre manager, Andrea Haynes, said: "It’s an opportunity for us to generate more income for the charity and open the centre up to be more of a community meeting space.

South Hylton Tansy Centre, in Church Street, Sunderland, opened its very own cafe on Monday, July 27, run by volunteers.

placeholder image — South Hylton Tansy Centre, in Church Street, Sunderland, opened its very own cafe on Monday, July 27, run by volunteers.

"We’re going to have a programme of events on, especially in the winter months, so there will be activities like art and mindfulness, as well as lunch clubs.”

The cafe welcomed its very first customers on Monday, and managed to completely sell out on all of its cakes.

Andrea said: “The things we are making are like what your grandma would make.

"We have a mix of old and young volunteers too which will come through on the menu.”

Andrea Haynes, South Hylton Tansy Centre manager.

The centre is also looking forward to opening its very own Growing Together Garden after securing money from the National Lottery Community Fund.

Inspired by the natural surroundings of South Hylton, the centre is planning on transforming its garden into a vibrant space where children and families can connect with nature.

Andrea said: “We wanted to introduce a natural play element into the garden, where kids can learn about the environment and the nature surrounding South Hylton.

"It’s a great opportunity to teach them how to look after the environment.

"It will help them build skills, and we will be running workshops for families and young people too, to help them become more aware.”

The garden will include natural play features, wildlife habitats and dedicated learning spaces.

Andrea said: "At the moment, we’re just waiting for the grant to come in, so we’re doing a lot of research about what we want and who we can get to do it.”

She added: "Ideally, we would have opened in time for the summer but right now we’re looking at opening in October time.”