SOAP star Jennie McAlpine threw open the doors of her restaurant for a jam session.

The Coronation Street actress, who went to St Gabriel's RC High School in Bury, has launched a range of jams, chutneys, biscuits and cakes at Annies, Old Bank Street, Manchester, and online.

She runs the restaurant with partner Chris Farr and the pair were on hand to demonstrate how to make the perfect pot of jam at the launch.

The 30-year-old, who plays Fiz Stape in the soap, said: “At Annies, we have created a welcoming place where people can sink into their favourite chair and enjoy food, just like it used to taste, with friends and family.

“It’s all about traditional northern hospitality and how you might feel if you visited your Aunty Annie.

“Now, by making some of the delights available to order, everyone can enjoy her hospitality.”

She also held a star-studded tea party at the restaurant yesterday with colleagues and Corrie pals including Helen Worth, who plays Gail McIntyre, Debbie Rush, who plays Anna Windass, Cherylee Houston, who plays Izzy Armstrong and Scott & Bailey actress Suranne Jones, who played Karen McDonald.

Visit anniesteashop.com.