TRADITIONAL tea rooms made a welcome appearance in a quaint village.

Much to the delight of local residents, Godstone Green Tea Rooms, just off Needles Bank, opened its doors on Saturday (October 1).

Excited owners and engaged couple Jeremy Dutfield, 37, and Maxine Whelan, 41, were operating their catering company from the building when their landlord offered to rent them more space.

Jeremy said: "We just knew we had to go for this. The village is so picturesque and quaint, but it was lacking that traditional tea room. It's the ideal spot for this. Its not unusual to see people who have come from all over to walk around the Godstone countryside, and I've always thought it a shame there were no tea rooms for them to finish off their afternoon."

The couple, of Earlswood Road, Earlswood, have been putting the finishing touches to the shop this week, furnishing the interior with vintage knick-knacks.

Jeremy, a qualified chef, said that although they have gutted and restored the interior, it will still reflect the age-old English tradition of tea-drinking.

He added: "We have been incredibly busy because we want it to be perfect and to meet everyone's expectations.

"We have had so many people dropping by to ask us when we will open, so that's been encouraging. It's very important to us that we get to know the customers and have a bit of banter with them. I can't wait."

Maxine said the tea rooms will have a "relaxed ambience".

"We didn't want it to be clinical," she said. "That's why we have put so much of our time into personally collecting quirky and unique furniture. It's got character. This is a dream for us and it's exciting to be branching out, doing something different."

During a Godstone Village Association Meeting on September 21, about 50 residents applauded the announcement of the tea rooms.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm, although hours may be extended if the demand is there.