A FORMER BBC presenter is set to relaunch a tea room following a 10-month venture around the Americas.

Claira Hermet, who was born in Colchester, is setting herself yet another challenge opening The Clockhouse tea rooms in Coggeshall.

In January 2015 the BBC Radio 1Xtra and BT Sport presenter, 33, underwent a preventative double mastectomy after losing her mother and sister to breast cancer.

She inspired others with her journey and it changed her outlook on life.

She said: "A voice popped into my head telling me to leave everything and travel.

"At first I thought I was going insane but when the voice persisted I decided I had to go."

She sold her belongings and left for the Caribbean last Christmas.

During her 10 month trip she visited St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, USA, Mexico and Canada.

Now home, she is relaunching the tea room in Coggeshall with her best friend of 22 years, Catalina Galdeano.

She said: "We have been best friends for years so going into business together feels very natural.

"We are both very excited and can't wait to get started".

The new Clockhouse will be an Artisan Cafe during the day selling cakes and breads, and a wine bar in the evening.

She said: "When we go out to eat we enjoy ordering lots of smaller dishes so we can share and try new things.

"We wanted to bring this to concept to The Clockhouse".

Claira is a vegan and Catalina a vegetarian, so as part of the relaunch they plan to include both options on their new menu.

After a opening party for family, friends and locals on January 7, The Clockhouse will re-open the following day.