A NORTON woman has fulfilled a life-long ambition to open her own tea shop.

Georgie Brough had considered opening a cafe in the area for a number of years and when an empty shop in Malton became available she decided to take the plunge.

"It is something I had thought about for years and people said if I didn't do it now I would regret it so I decided to go for it," she said.

The Mad Hatter's cafe in Finkle Street is run by Georgie and her two daughters, Stephanie, 29, and Leanne, 23.

Georgie said: "The idea for the name came from the three of us.

"We wanted a vintage feel and came up with several names before settling on the Mad Hatter's cafe."

Georgie, 54, said they offered a range of home-made food, including soup, sandwiches and quiche.

"Stephanie makes fresh scones every day which are proving very popular with served with jam and clotted cream," she said.

"We also offer a Mad Hatter's mini-breakfast and will be starting afternoon teas and most people seem to enjoy them."

Georgie said the cafe, which opened two months ago, was already receiving positive feedback and comments.

"Customers like the old-fashioned feel and the vintage style with china cups," she said.

"It is different to any other cafe in Malton and after all these years I am glad I took the plunge - it is a good feeling to know it is yours and you created it."