A popular Penwortham restaurant has closed its doors after 12 years.

The Shampan in Pope Lane has stopped trading after running into financial difficulties, with seven members of staff losing their jobs.

Manager Alam Hussain said he is sad to have to stop selling Indian food in the local community.

He told Blog Preston: “We have always tried so hard and we were in the top 10 curry restaurants in Lancashire.

“I love this place, I like the local area and have always supported the local community, local football and sponsoring events.

“We offered to buy the building but the landlord doesn’t want to sell it. We can’t afford the rent on it.

“There is nothing more we can do. We have lost a lot of money and six members of staff have lost their jobs.

Read more: Ten of the highest rated places for a curry in Preston

Alam said he hopes to be able to stay in the local area and if the opportunity arises would like to open a new restaurant in the area.

He said: “We just want to say thank you to our customers. We are very sorry that we can’t sell food at the moment.”

Did you ever eat at The Shampan? Let us know in the comments below