Staff and volunteers at the Pilgrims Hospice in Thanet are hoping to break down the barriers one cake at a time after opening a new coffee shop.

Patients and their friends and family can now enjoy a cup of tea and a delicious slice of cake in a quiet corner of the hospice on Ramsgate Road, Margate.

Support can also be offered to local residents for whom a visit to the hospice is a daunting experience.

Tracy Tremble, community services manager, said: "I hope the coffee shop will be a big step towards breaking down barriers for people coming to the hospice for the first time and will give people a chance to access information on palliative care.

"The friendly atmosphere and excellent food provide an oasis of calm and a supportive environment."

Local kmfm radio presenter Johnny Lewis, who officially opened the coffee shop, added: "With lovely staff and volunteers, great food, amazing gardens and a very worthy cause, I'm sure this facility will be a huge success."

The Pilgrims Hospice coffee shop is open to the public every weekday from 10am until 4pm.