A POPULAR  family-owned cafe and wine merchant in Kirkby Lonsdale will open for business again with a new team member in tow, over nine months after a roof collapse forced its closure.

Helen and Adrian Shield, who own the Crossing Point Cafe on Market Square, with Helen's sister Rachael Tate and partner Dave Brown, said they have not been idle during the hiatus, bringing baby Elodie Grace into the world on May 24.

Helen said: "It was during the closure that we found out we were pregnant.

"Its been a tough nine months of pregnancy as Adrian had to work away in the North East to bring in an income, as this is our liveihoood.

"We named Elodie after our favourite Champagne, Elodie D, that we import for the cafe and wine shop, so she's been our mascot since day one."

After several failed attempts to fix the roof, the team are currently cleaning and applying the finishing touches to a new menu with a wider range of vegan option, an updated wine selection, and planning a new calendar of their renowned wine tasting events.

READ MORE: Kirkby Lonsdale cafe owners hope for Christmas reopening after roof collapse