A popular Carlisle restaurant has been given the green light to expand its operations.

The Old Bank has been granted planning permission by Cumberland Council to turn the former Castle Chocolates shop into a new bar area. 

They plan to create an opening between the two buildings that will allow diners to wait, or simply drink, before heading into the main dining space for their meal. 

Writing on Facebook, the restaurant said: "So it’s now full steam ahead with our top secret plans for this space!

"Hopefully will be back in a few weeks with more of a time span on opening but we will definitely be open long before Christmas."

The Old Bank will be closed until Tuesday September 10 as they get underway with the expansion works.