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Stokesley's first dedicated vegan cafe bistro has been serving its first diners.

The 'quirky little' Green Apple Cafe & Bistro has taken over the former Ooty's cafe on Station Road, near to the market town 's industrial estate.

Amanda Farley "took the plunge" and opened up after she lost her mum Margaret Connor to breast cancer in March.

Margaret believed in the cancer-beating benefits of a plant-based diet and made the switch three months earlier - but sadly, it was too late and the disease took hold.

(Image: Gazette)

"I realised life is so short and precious," says Amanda, "I left my job as a psychotherapist after 20 years to follow my food dream."

She had already been dairy free for many years, after father-in-law Barry saw his own secondary cancers of the bone, liver and kidneys eradicated once he cut out animal products.

"He had developed prostate and secondary cancer," Amanda said.

"He omitted dairy from his diet.

"Six months later his secondary cancers were eradicated.

"He was initially given a really poor prognosis (months) however changing his diet has meant he has managed his prostate cancer for 12 years.

(Image: Gazette)

"We went dairy free around 10 years ago but we still ate white meat and fish.

"Last year my husband Andrew and I watched the "What The Health" documentary.

"As soon as it finished, we cleared all animal products from our house and we’ve never looked back.

"My mum tried a plant based diet in December as she had a strong feeling her breast cancer was linked to her diet.

"But sadly it was too late as the cancer was just to aggressive.

"She always told me I should open up my own bistro as I’ve always loved cooking and she loved my dishes. "

Amanda, 48, trained as a chef at 16 but developed a "passion" for the field of mental health and ended up having a "really amazing career".

(Image: Gazette)

The couple turned vegan 17 months ago but found they struggled to find good food places, Andrew said.

"We love to go out and eat, but it's really difficult," he added.

"Amanda found herself cooking things at home, then this place can up for lease.

"We had a look and immediately thought 'ah wow, we could really turn this place into a funky little cafe.

"We really believe in the plant based lifestyle.

"I have more energy, I'm not as tired.

"My wife's food is amazing, we've had good reviews from customers and great feedback from the business community in Stokesley - they're proud to have us here."

"I'm not saying to people you'll get cancer if you eat dairy or meat," Amanda adds.

"This is just my story.

"Plant based food is delicious, nutritious and vibrant.

"I cook from the heart and we want everyone to have a lovely experience when they visit.

"Customers are loving the food and general ambience - the fire's always on."