ONE of the attractions of the new M&S store at Ravenhead Retail park is the cafe.

But claims this is the first time the retailer has had an in-store eating place in St Helens have been proved incorrect by Star readers.

Phil Leach contacted us to say how his mum Jean (nee Davies) worked in the M&S cafe on Church Street in 1948.

He said: “The cafe was at the back of the original store, which was much smaller then, it was only after the Greenalls Brewery closed and was demolished that the store was extended.

“Mum worked upstairs, however, in the Prep Room, where they made sandwiches which were wrapped and sold in the cafe downstairs.”

Jean and colleagues also added a finish to pre-made cakes, piping cream and putting chocolate on eclair cases, and adding vanilla on puff pastry strips.

Phil added: “Mum worked there for five years before leaving to start our family. She would love to find out if any of her former colleagues are still around and, if so, maybe meet up in the new M&S Cafe to try to recreate the photo.”