SHOPPERS in Chippenham have a new place to relax in the town centre after a new coffee shop opened yesterday.

The upmarket coffee shop has opened on the site of the former Mountstevens Bakehouse.

It is the brainchild of Tracey and Stanley Parker, who also own Leykers coffee shop in Trowbridge.

They have been looking for a site in Chippenham for some time after being inspired to open a coffee shop after a trip to Boston.

Mrs Parker said: "They had such nice coffee houses there and I just decided I wanted to open one. This was before Starbucks were all over Britain. I used to work in retail management so it was a big change for me."

The couple have spent five weeks working on the property, spending £30,000 on renovations and invested £10,000 in the equipment. They have employed 15 members of staff. Mr Parker is a builder and carpenter and has done all the work himself.

The shop will offer a range of coffees, milkshakes and drinks as well as freshly-baked cakes and freshly-made sandwiches.

"The whole thing is about choice and letting people have exactly what they want. They can have whatever milk they want soya, skimmed or full fat," said Mrs Parker.

The shop will seat more than 100 people and will open 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday.