A KILBIRNIE charity has officially opened its new café.

The Radio City Association launched Networks Bistro on Friday, November 22, and will be running a limited menu for takeaway service only at present.

The charity say this will allow for further staff training and for operating practices to be refined "to ensure we earn our communities trust".

However, it is still expected that a full offering - of takeaway, delivery and dine in food - will be available in "the very near future" at the venue on Main Street.

The venture has been the culmination of a lot of hard work for all involved and the Radio City Association hope the café will form strong bonds with the local community.

A spokesperson said: "Our ethos is firmly placed in ensuring we are at the heart of our community and we aim to always reflect the shared values of our local area.

"These values mean that we will support our fantastic local farmers, food producers and other businesses that we believe rival the best in the world and we should all share pride in having on our doorstep.

"We seek to offer you the best local flavours and quality of experience at affordable prices whilst also ensuring we source ethical and environmentally sustainable products.

"We will also work to address food inequalities locally and reinvest our profits into our community and play a key role in our overarching Electric Valley strategy."

The timing of their opening was also described as "poignant" - as it comes exactly 132 years on from when the Knox Institute building was officially opened, and 25 years since the Radio City Association was founded.

A spokesperson added: "The opening of Networks Bistro, following on from the redevelopment of our office facility, is another milestone as Radio City Association continues in our efforts to redevelop the locally iconic building, that has for too long suffered decline, aiming that once again it is representation of our areas communal spirit.

"This history is one that is vital to our communities identity and that we hope to emulate and improve local people’s knowledge of.

"The name of Networks Bistro is reflective of that acknowledging our industrial heritage and the building’s historic links to W and J Knox Ltd Networks factory as well as being a place for local people to ‘network’ and connect socially with each other and also offer free ‘network’ internet access to tackle digital poverty.

"We look forward to welcoming you all to Networks Bistro and becoming a trusted part of daily life at the heart of our community. We will continue to work to earn your trust and provide the very best service that our community deserves."

More information on the cafe can be found on the Networks Bistro Facebook page.