York's famous Bettys Caf is getting a younger sister.

Helping launch the new Little Bettys tearooms in Stonegate, York, are youngsters, from left, Betty Wilkinson, aged four, Victoria, aged three, Elizabeth Todd, aged two, Betty Thompson, aged three, and Elizabeth, three, with Betty Ford holding the balloons and manager Janet Parker with the celebration cake

Picture: David Harrison

Little Betty's has opened in Stonegate in the premises formerly known as Taylors Tea Rooms, which have undergone transformation over the past week.

The change was announced yesterday as the original Bettys in St Helen's Square celebrated its 80th anniversary, with lots of little children called Betty invited to a special birthday party.

Four-year-old Betty Thompson, dressed in a traditional Bettys waitress uniform, and cut a teapot shaped birthday cake specially created for the occasion by the firm's craft bakery.

The Harrogate-based firm, Bettys, and Taylors of Harrogate, said many customers did not realise Bettys and Taylors were related. "So, we've decided to make the connection clearer. Our 80th birthday gave us the perfect opportunity.

"Little Bettys still has all the hallmarks of the family-owned tearooms - the mouth-watering cakes, the refreshing teas and friendly smiles, but it is perfect for those with less time to spare."

The new caf also offers customers the chance to take away tea, coffee, sandwiches and cakes.

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