AN ECO-friendly childrenswear shop in Kirkby Stephen is branching into new premises.

Mini Eden's new store at Main Street is described as "a family-friendly space" with a new cafe inspired by the Danish concept of "hygge" - a cosy and and welcoming space serving Cumbrian-roasted Carvetii coffee, snacks and vegan treats.

The business's owner, Linnhe Harrison, is adding pre-owned maternity wear to the collection, alongside pre-loved children's clothes from the likes of Joules, Fat Face, JoJo Maman Bébé, Monsoon and Zara.

She is also introducing balance bike hire for youngsters, and says the new shop will feature plenty of space for parents to park buggies.

The launch event this Saturday (November 17) will celebrate Mini Eden's move from Market Street to Main Street, and there will be children's entertainment as well as artisan baked Italian biscuits from Mike Hall, the Ivy Cottage Baker.

Linnhe said she was delighted with the new store, and explained: "I’ve always tried to make the shop more about the space and the ethos, rather than purely about the products. I’m hopeful the new Mini Eden will provide a little sanity for mums, dads, carers and grandparents, and a place to escape to from the house – if only for an hour – to enjoy a good brew, and perhaps browse the clothing and gifts while the kids play with the Lego."

The premises will be plastic-free, apart from its popular Lego pick-and-mix area, because Linnhe said she knew how much parents valued "ethical and green purchasing".

"It is not difficult to be kinder to the world," she told the Gazette. "Our clothes are either pre-loved or end-of-line clearance stock - the stock that ends up in landfill - our gifts are either handmade, Fairtrade, made locally or pre-loved, and the coffees, teas and cakes are either organic, Fairtrade or sourced locally.”

For more, see loveminieden.co.uk, or follow the shop on Twitter or Facebook.