A REVAMPED community cafe has opened its doors to customers as the new owner seeks to offer a shared venue and meeting point for the area.

The Chalkboard Cafe welcomed neighbours for the first time this weekend as the new coffee shop sprung into action in Palmer Park.

After taking a career change from teaching to business owner, Rebecca Lambert said she wanted to "give back" in a different way and hoped to offer a free space for local groups, artists and musicians.

Miss Lambert, 33, of Katesgrove, said: "We are a non-profit group so we can use it for any community events.

"I'm looking at arts based stuff and things like music, educational events and anything where people need to rent the space for free when we are not trading."

Taking over The Lodge in Palmer Park the new venture has replaced the Reading Play Cafes after officially opening for business last Saturday.

Starting off with the usual mix of hot drinks, snacks and food the team hope to expand into events and live entertainment in the coming months.

Thanks in part to a £10,000 grant from the National Lottery Miss Lambert and her partner David Johnson spent the summer refurbishing the building's interior.

She added: "We have already had so many people coming in of all age groups on the first weekend and we are really just looking forward to seeing more come down."

The cafe is open 9.30am to 4.30pm daily and can be found close to the park playground at the edge of Wokingham Road.