An East Lancashire café is set to close next to month due reduced footfall and the rise of living costs, its owners have said.

Krafty Cow Tea Room, situated in James Street, Burnley, will cease trading from July 3.

Owner, Kelly Bland, said she had to make the announcement with “a heavy heart and streaming tears”.

She said: “Unfortunately, it looks like all good things must come to an end - including our beloved tearoom.

“We just can't afford to try and keep the barn open based on the current situation.

"We have less footfall due to the rise of living and the cost of stock has pretty much doubled, so we can't see a way out.

“We just want to thank [customers] so much for your support over the years, we feel nothing but privileged to have met you all, and to have seen your little humans develop and grow – we have made some lifelong friendships along the way.”

She added that all booked parties and events up until July 3 “are safe up in the party room”.

She said: “If you get chance to come and see us before then, please don't make me cry.

“I'm truly heartbroken but feel so truly blessed to have had this opportunity in the first place.

“This isn't goodbye… who knows what we'll actually do now.

“Peace, love and sausage rolls from the Krafty Cow team.”

Since making the announcement, Kelly and the team have been flooded with hundreds of messages of support.

One person said: “Very sad. My grandson loved the slime making.

“Good luck with your next chapter whatever it is.”

Another said: “I’m so sorry to hear this Kelly. You have done some amazing work and you have some fantastic customers who have built brilliant memories with you.”

“I know the hard choices you are making as I’m in the same boat,” said a third. “Such a loss to the town centre.”

Another commented: “I don't want to believe this...but I know I have to!

“You have brought a huge community together. You have given me lifelong friends who I now call family and I will be forever grateful for that.”

After reading some of the “amazing comments” Kelly said she has been “bawling her eyes out”.

She said: “I have only cried six times so far today which is better than the 20 times yesterday.

“Although I'm absolutely heartbroken I have to say it's like a weight as been lifted.

“I know we tried our very hardest to try and turn things around and we can walk away with our heads held high.

“I'm going to miss you all so much.”

Kelly opened The Krafty Cow over five years ago. It became known for its homemade food and bakes.

It also hosts childrens parties and daily workshops, such as baby sensory classes and slime making sessions.

Some events and sessions are still going ahead and you can attend them before its closure next month.

Its last ever slime workshop will take place on July 3 at 11am. Tickets are £10 a child.

On Saturday, June 25, is a messy sensory play session for babies aged 6-18 months. Tickets are £7 a child.

Events can be booked via the Krafty Cow Tea Room Facebook page.