A tea room named after the owner’s nan launched with a little help from young volunteers.

Graham Broadbent, 26, from Northfleet, owns and manages Marie’s Tea Room in Gravesend High Street.

He said: “The tea room is named after my nan because we spent a lot of time together baking.

“I just love baking. I use my nan’s recipes and some of my own.”

On the menu are homemade tarts, scones, cake and cupcakes plus different types of tea.

Mr Broadbent has also renamed croque-monsieur – a toasted cheese and ham sandwich – croque-marie.

Mr Broadbent is a Scout leader and some of the Scouts helped get the tea room ready.

He said: “Everyone’s come together to help us decorate.”

Open just a few weeks, he is already considering social nights for groups such as those interested in IT, has bookings for parties and a baby shower, and is considering outside catering too.

He said: “I want to have some clubs in the evenings, such as ‘tea natter’.

“A lot of elderly people have spoken to me about this as they want a social evening.

“I want to build on the community and spirit.”

It is already proving a hit. Jackie Nelson-Salt, who was enjoying tea and cheese scones, said: “The place is very inviting and I have enjoyed my food.”