AN iconic Falmouth cafe 'woven into the history' of the town is to become a not for profit business in a bid to help the town's homeless and their dogs as well as exploited girls in Nepal.

Mandy Brown, who owns the lease to DeWynns, a listed building, and Barney Browns in the former Millers estate agent next door said she had come to the decision during a time to reflection in the current lockdown.

"It was in this space that inspiration struck," she said "I could run my retail shop to pay my mortgage and put food on the table and make the café a non-profit organisation to fill my heart and feed my soul.

"So the Old Dewynns, our lovely heritage café and bar, is now a not for profit enterprise. Not just for lockdown takeaways but permanently.

"It was never about making money. I really wanted to create a special hub in the heart of Falmouth, in what I believe is one of the most beautiful buildings in town. I want it to not only be the beating heart of our wonderful town but to give it a soul.

"All our profits will go to causes close to our hearts both local and global."

She says locally she will provide assistance for the local homeless and their canine companions and is launching The Billy Chip in Falmouth, where anyone can purchase the special chip and pass it to those living on the streets.

The chip was originally launched in Bristol and has become a huge success, with over 70 businesses now taking part. This chip then be exchanged by the recipient in the cafe for food and hot drinks.

Mandy says she also hopes to get other cafes on board with this initiative and also plans to host a Christmas dinner for the elderly who may be alone this festive season.

"We hope to host a Christmas dinner for the elderly who may be alone and in need of some company and festive community spirit," she said.

"Our global support is for Maiti Nepal an organisation that rescues and rehabilitates girls that have been sold into sexual slavery."

"Every single cafe purchase - from a cup of coffee, a slice of cake, homemade comforting lunches to a cool cocktail - will not only deliver on quality and service but will give you the warm satisfaction of having made a real difference

"There's something happening in the centre of Falmouth."

The cafe at 54-55 Church Street will become not for profit while her shop next door Barney Browns, named after her shop dog Barney, will continue as a normal retail business.

"Dewynns, already woven into the fabric of Falmouth as the oldest coffee house in town was given a complete makeover and an addition of a deck to make the most of the beautiful harbour views," said Mandy. "We have also for the first time in its history opened it in the evening as a fully licensed bar.

"Every single cafe purchase - from a cup of coffee, a slice of cake, homemade comforting lunches to a cool cocktail - will not only deliver on quality and service but will give you the warm satisfaction of having made a real difference."