THE people of Haslingden are ‘reaping the rewards’ of a new community cafe officially launched in one of the town’s school’s last week.

Pupils at Tor View Community Special School have lent a helping hand to The Garage in order to gain work experience.

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And the chairman of the school’s board of governors has described the venture as ‘a real asset’ after initial customers gave the venue a resounding thumbs-up.

The cafe, which was renovated as part of a £2.5m revamp at the Clod Lane school, is managed by parent Jackie Dykes and invests all of its profits back into school projects.

Students use specially-adapted tills to serve customers, who have been flocking in from around Rossendale.

Peter Sweetmore, the chair of governors, said: “It has been going really well. We had the official opening last week for all the media and it was absolutely packed to the rafters, which was great.

“The people in the community are getting used to the fact that it is there and we have been really pleased with the numbers popping in so far.

“The pupils who are helping to man it with the parents are really seeing the benefits.”

Older students, aged 16 to 19, will be using the cafe for apprenticeships under the supervision of Ms Dykes and a teaching assistant, where they will learn how to serve customers and deal with money.

The cafe, which serves hot and cold drinks, biscuits, pastries and toasties, is open to the public from 8am to 11.30am Monday to Friday. but opening hours could be extended in the New Year.

Mr Sweetmore added: “Everybody who has been so far has said it was brilliant, in terms of quality of the food and the service.”

“I think for a lot of them they weren’t sure what to expect, but the kids have been first-class. It has been far better than they expected.

“The idea is for it to be permanent. After Christmas we might look at opening beyond lunchtime if the demand is there.

“Most of the staff from the other Tor View building walk down to the Ewood campus in the morning to have a look and they say it has been great experience for the students.”

The Garage has already hosted parenting classes by Haslingden’s Cotton Shed Theatre and Knit and Natter workshops.