A new village café is set to open in a former baker's after an £80,000 makeover.

Heart of Higham will be run by husband-and-wife duo Ben and Helen Donovan.

Helen, 46, said: "We have gone to town with the refurbishments, really.

"Ceilings came down, floors were ripped out, it has all gone. It is looking good to me but probably still looks like a building site to anyone else.

"We have just started to paint it. It is all very new and exciting. I really want the café to be the heart of the village. We have had so much support from everyone already."

The former mental health nurse grew up in Higham before moving to Shorne with renovator Ben.

The pair are taking over the former village bakery – Hayley's of Higham – in School Lane after owner Hayley Turner decided she wanted to give it up.

Ben and Hayley were old school mates and when he heard she was leaving, decided he wanted to step in.

Helen added: "It will still be the village baker's and sell bread as I want to keep that important service for the older generation in the village.

"I very much want the new café to welcome everyone, young and old, and be a place where the community can meet up and look out for each other.

"In short, I have lots of ideas to introduce and pilot once we open."

Once renovated, the place will sit 20 to 25 people upstairs and have outdoor seating too. It will sell all-day breakfasts, lunch specials, sandwiches and cakes.

Mum-of-three Helen said they have already doubled their budget redoing the place, and joked that she did not want to think about the cost.

"I would quite like to use the café to give back to the village and to be able to look after the older folk," she added.

"I am looking forward to being a people person again and helping others out. The older residents rely on the two shops there so I want to be able to also offer my services to the community."

It is hoped they will be open by August 8 if all goes to plan.