Face-painting and performance were on the menu at the launch of a new child-friendly caf� that aims to bring broad benefits to the community.Great Yarmouth MP Tony Wright officially opened the Family Den Caf� in the St James Health and Resource Centre on Saturday alongside the two enterprising mums who made it happen.

Face-painting and performance were on the menu at the launch of a new child-friendly caf� that aims to bring broad benefits to the community.

Great Yarmouth MP Tony Wright officially opened the Family Den Caf� in the St James Health and Resource Centre on Saturday alongside the two enterprising mums who made it happen.

Dawn Webster and Lisa Smith, were helped towards their goal by a �5285 lottery grant and a confidence-boosting “feel-good” course at Gorleston's Seagulls Centre.

Instead of a ribbon cutting its opening was marked by the breaking in half of a chocolate-chip cookie and a host of activities including performances from Greenacre School Choir and Eastern Spirit Show Corps, a local youth marching band.

The new caf� boasts a kids' corner and aims to become a venue for clubs and groups such as a pen-pal club and parent and toddler group. A weekly charity bookstall run by Great Yarmouth College starts later this month.

Dawn said: “Lisa and I both have children and we were struggling to find affordable child-friendly places to meet and have a catch up. We went to NWES for some advice and advisor Paul Griffin held our hand throughout the whole business start-up process.

Saturday's opening went “like a dream”, Dawn said, adding: “It was exactly the kind of spirit that we really want to get to.”

Family Den, a community interest company, is open Monday to Friday, 8.15am to 4pm.

For more information visit www.familyden.co.uk or contact Dawn Webster or Lisa Smith on either 07552486267 or 07717110513. For information on free advice and training to help start a business call NWES on 0845 6099991.