A cafe promoting healthy eating has opened today - offering a range of freshly made lunches and snacks.

Salata - which means salad in Turkish - opened in Ashford's Bank Street at 9am today.

It has filled an empty unit which was previously occupied by Just Desserts.

Last month, Havva Aykac-Gungor revealed her business plans to Kent Online and promised to bring something "new, fresh and different" to the town.

Havva - who runs also Luxe Cosmetics in New Rents - has joined forces with By The Tank Cafe owner Ayten Yilmaz to run the new venture.

Havva said: "We are very excited to be opening today.

"We are hoping to catch the lunch time trade and gym goers before and after. We can do protein boxes and we will do protein pots too."

The store has been newly refurbished both inside and out.

Modern hanging light bulbs, wooden shelves, and tables and chairs can be found inside.

An eye-catching feature wall has also been installed.

Havva said: "It's a selfie wall, the idea is for people to take selfies next to it and tag us in it.

"They are very popular in the city and I wanted to bring it here."

A variety of salad boxes - including a selection vegetarian and vegan options - are available to purchase at the shop.

Some of the choices on offer include:

• Mediterranean Box
• Gym Box
• Meze Box
• Falafel Box
• Omega Box
• Tuna Nicoise Box

Customers can also create their own salad boxes from a selection of grill and vegetable items.

Wraps are also on offer, including chicken, tuna, vegan, Mediterranean, cheese, omega, avocado and falafel.

Smaller boxes are available for children at a discounted price.

Refreshments include tea, coffee, cappuccino, latte, expresso and water. But no coke.

Havva explained: "Coke isn't good for you, and we want to promote a healthy lifestyle."

The food is available to purchase by visiting the store at 4 Bank Street or via online delivery service Deliveroo, which was set up in Ashford town in March.

Teas and teacups are available to buy, and books are available for customers to read while eating.

Salata will be open 6 days a week from 9.30am to 5.30pm.

The store will only accept cash payments until the end of next week.

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford