A POPULAR blend of coffee, cake and painting pottery is heading to Shaftesbury.

Sophie’s Ceramics Pottery Cafe, in Blandford’s Greyhound Yard, has announced it is opening a second venue in Shaftesbury due to the popularity of the shop.

Visitors can enjoy a snack and a tasty drink as they craft their very own piece of pottery.

Founder Sophie Perks said: “I can’t quite believe that I am even writing this. Sophie’s Ceramics is officially expanding. We are opening another store in Shaftesbury and I couldn’t be any more excited.

“This has been in the works for months; building work has started and kilns have been ordered and I can now finally scream it from the rooftops.”

She thanked customers for their support in helping her “live out my dreams”.

“None of this would be possible without the people that support and love my little shop,” Sophie went on.

“Whether you have popped in for a coffee or painted multiple times, you have made this happen and allowed me to live out my dreams.

“The only reason I do this is because I love it, with every fibre of my being and it means everything to me that you leave Sophie’s Ceramics just that little bit brighter and happier.”

And she said the expansion was “crazy”.

“I always knew that I wanted to share the love, passion and comfort of Sophie’s Ceramics with everyone,” Sophie added.

“I always knew deep down that if I was lucky enough and had the opportunity to expand I would take it without a second thought.

“I suppose it’s not as easy as that, it takes hard work, dedication, finances, an amazing support system and sleepless nights, but I believe in my little dream.

“I believe in Sophie’s Ceramics and the joy it brings me and hopefully everyone around me. I am so thrilled to be sharing the joy with Shaftesbury and I feel ready to take on this next chapter.”

An opening date for the shop is not yet confirmed, “but it won’t be too long”, she said.

For more on Sophie’s Ceramics, log on to www.sophiesceramics.co.uk.