A much-loved Darlington play cafe has confirmed it will close for good next week.

Aimee and Richard Bland announced in early November that they would be closing Curiositeas' Play Café in the Queen Street Shopping Centre, adding it was a decision not made lightly.

Former mental health nurse Aimee and army veteran Richard opened the business in 2022, which combines a café for parents and a play area for little ones, but have over the past year struggled with the rising cost of bills, rent and food.

Inside the cafe. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Announcing the closure, the pair did not confirm their final day, but according to their website, the doors will close on December 19.

In a statement previously posted on Facebook, they wrote: "We have met some amazing people, and we are so grateful

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