A COFFEE shop is celebrating its first year since it opened on Newton-le-Willows high street. 

Mamma J's coffee house was introduced to the high street last June and had its first birthday on Tuesday. 

The family-run business is planning to celebrate the anniversary on Saturday, with a free cake given with every coffee ordered. 

Emily Bourne, a staff member, said: "It’s an achievement in itself really, going through the pandemic and opening a new business is a risk whether its going to work or not. 

"A lot of locals and people who work on the high street come in for lunch or a coffee which is nice because you get to know the people.

"It’s come so quickly. It’s nice seeing new customers come in and you see lot of them say they didn’t know this was on the high street."

The coffee shop also expanded in March, with more seating space downstairs. 

Amanda Jackson, who runs the coffee house with her daughters, is currently away on holiday but will make the trip back in time for the anniversary celebration on Saturday. 

St Helens Star: Amanda with her daughters at their family run coffee house Amanda with her daughters at their family run coffee house

Jim Grant, a regular at Mamma J's, said: "I think the main thing is the customer care side of it. When anybody walks in, I’ve seen it happen to me, I’m greeted really friendly. 

"It feels very much like a family, not just the daughters and their mum, but the rest of the staff as well.

"I feel it’s OK to come on my own. I know the people and they soon come to know you."

St Helens Star: Jim is a regular customer after a friend had recommended the coffee shop to him Jim is a regular customer after a friend had recommended the coffee shop to him

Mamma J's will be open from 10am - 4pm on Saturday.