An award-winning Bedford cafe which helps people recovering from mental health problems learn new skills, will soon be managed by those it was set up to help.

The Renaissance Cafe, in Kimbolton Road, has already helped 35 people with mental illnesses back into work, and control will now be handed over to two of the project's participants who will oversee the cafe's move to bigger premises in Gadsby Street.

Sarah Moyce and Phil Dimmick will take over as directors of the company on Monday, October 1, running it as a social enterprise, with all the profits being ploughed back into the community.

MEP Richard Howitt, whose eastern region covers Bedfordshire, visited the cafe on Friday to congratulate the new directors on their success and lend his support to the upcoming move and expansion.

He said: "I was really excited about coming to this project. The Renaissance Cafe is a fantastic success story, going from a pilot project to a flourishing business in its own right. It's given so many people a second chance in life.

"People always say those with mental health issues can't look after themselves, but in less than a month this will be run by people recovering from such problems and has already proved a great triumph."

Until now the cafe's new directors have been working under the guidance of a professional chef, but will soon be running the kitchen single-handed.

Project manager Ann Peckham said: "Phil has made amazing progress, as when he first joined us he was still suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which meant that he locked himself away for long periods unable to face the world.

"He has been a chef for years, but had lost his confidence through trauma in the Gulf and the Falklands.

"Sarah originally referred herself to do a foundation food hygiene course with us, and through that connection she moved on into the cafe itself.

"Over the past 18 months she has taken on the responsibility of running the cafe on her own."

The cafe was originally set up in 2003 thanks to a £105,000 grant from the European Social Fund.

Together Ann, Phil and Sarah are now looking to move the new company, The Real Renaissance Cafe Ltd, from its current location at the Day Resource Centre at Bedford's Health Village, to the much bigger premises in Gadsby Street.

In the last year the the Renaissance Cafe has produced 60 buffet lunches for outside businesses and serves 30 to 40 meals a day, which the new management team hope to increase when they move to their new building.

The team have already been awarded the Bedfordshire Food Mark, and will continue to offer work placements to people with mental health issues, improving their skills and confidence.