Food chain Burger King is set to expand across the country as an investment firm has acquired the franchise rights to the brand in the UK.

Private equity group Bridgepoint has struck an undisclosed deal with Burger King Europe (BKE) to become the restaurant chain's UK master franchisee.

The move will see the launch of a new operation, which will have the power to roll out more Burger King restaurants throughout the UK - meaning the popular flame-grilled burgers could finally make a return to Carlisle.

In a statement, Bridgepoint said: "Burger King is a pre-eminent global consumer brand with a robust and growing presence in the UK market, well-liked by consumers.

"This is an opportunity to work with a highly regarded management buy-in team to re-invigorate a much-loved brand and to grow the existing UK business."

Carlisle has been without a Burger King since the closure of the outlet on London Road.

Despite a petition to keep the restaurant open generating more than 1,000 signatures, the franchise was shut down in late 2012.

The deal is part of a double swoop for Bridgepoint, which has also snapped up one of the UK's largest Burger King franchisees - Caspian UK Group - which owns 74 restaurants.

As part of the deal, Bridgepoint will create a new management team led by former Wagamama and Center Parcs chairman Martin Robinson.

Mr Robinson, who will be chairman-designate of the UK operation, said: "Working with Bridgepoint and Burger King Europe, the team believes it can deliver growth and further opportunities for the brand to flourish in the UK market."

Burger King has more than 500 UK sites, but trails rival McDonald's which has around 1,200 restaurants.