A Cockermouth cafe has announced with a 'heavy heart' that it will be permanently closing. 

Little Tinkers Parent, Toddler, and Baby Cafe is an extension to the Lanes Cafe & Bistro in Cockermouth and will close for the final time on Friday, December 22. 

The cafe's owner Claire Ascroft, who also owns the Lanes Cafe & Bistro in the town which recently began a free meal ticket scheme,  announced the closure on social media and cited the ongoing cost of living crisis as the main contributing factor.

She said: "It is with heavy hearts we are having to write this, unfortunately, due to the cost of living Little Tinkers will be closing permanently on Friday, December 22.

"We have loved seeing all our regulars and have worked very hard to make it a success but sadly not enough funds to keep the business running.

"We want to thank you all for your support."

Claire also discussed her disappointment with the closure after initially opening the cafe as a safe place for parents to bring their children for food and drink.

She said: "It's a shame, we only opened up because I have got two grandkids who are my daughters and it is so hard going out for something to eat and trying to keep them quiet.

"I thought it would be nice if you could go out and the kids could play and that kind of thing but in the end the busy days did not make up for the quiet days.

"It was lovely, I sold my caravan to buy all the stuff for it and it just hasn't worked but it is one of those things where if you don't try you will never know.