A popular Carlisle restaurant has announced that it will close next week after more than 30 years spent in the city.

Franco's Ristorante in Carlisle city centre will cease trading on Wednesday October 9 after 32 years of serving up hearty Italian cuisine.

It will re-open again in the future under the new owner Martin Bell who will continue to operate the space as a restaurant.

Any vouchers for Franco's can be used before closure but can also be carried forward to the new owner.

Writing on social media, they said: "We would like to thank all our marvellous customers, Franco’s has been a very special place for us where we have made some wonderful friends over the many years and we thank you for the loyalty and fantastic support over the many years of our journey.

"It has been a pleasure and we have enjoyed working in such a historic building. Our deepest thanks to all our wonderful, dedicated staff, past and present for all your hard work, our memories will go with us."

The business was put up for sale earlier this year with offers being sought for around £100,000.

This price would cover the 'business, trade name, fixtures and fittings as well as goodwill'.

"We would like to thank our landlords at Pioneer and all the suppliers that have helped the business succeed over the years," they added.

"We wish Martin all the success on what has been a wonderful experience in Franco’s.

"We will miss you all, thank you."