Tilly's Tearoom, in Brandon, thanks community for support ahead of second café opening at Denver Windmill, near Downham Market

A popular tearoom in a Suffolk town has thanked the community for its ‘incredible’ support as it prepares to open its second café.

Kirsty Skipper, 37, took over Tilly’s Tearoom, in Brandon, five years ago when it was still on the High Street, before its move to the former Old Five Bells pub, on Market Hill, a year later.

Now, the business is gearing up to welcome customers to its second location at Denver Windmill, near Downham Market, with the aim of opening on April 18.

Kirsty, who lives in Brandon, has credited the support of her customers for helping her to expand her business.

“We have gone against the odds, so while other local businesses may be sadly struggling, we are actually expanding,” she said.

“We wouldn’t have been able to do it without all our amazing customers in Brandon and beyond, who have been so loyal and kept returning to us.

“We are very grateful for the incredible support we’ve received from them, as well as the general support from the town council, too.”

Kirsty also expressed her gratitude to her staff and said it was like working with friends.

She chose the 17th century Denver Windmill for her second café as it was a popular tourist attraction in the countryside and she thought it had potential – as well as lots of character.

“We’re all very excited ahead of the move and we are looking forward to what the future holds,” she said.

“I’m immensely proud of what we’ve managed to do and the support around me.

“I don’t do this for profit and I don’t take a penny out of the business – I do this for the love of it.”

Kirsty’s father Len Mockford, 64, will manage the second branch.

He said: “Kirsty has done a brilliant job and we really feel we are bucking the trend a little bit.

“I’ve been speaking to the people at Denver Windmill and they are eager to work with us and we are eager to work with them.”