A landmark building in Carlisle city centre is being brought back to life.

The former Dickinson's store on Victoria Viaduct occupies one of the most prominent sites in the heart of the city's shopping scene.

It has been empty since the furniture firm went out of business in December.

But it is now being brought back to life by a charity with lofty ambitions.

The British Heart Foundation has submitted plans to Carlisle City Council to turn the building into its first Home shop.

The charity currently has a shop on English Street. It is not yet known what would happen to this branch.

The new location would be a bigger shop for the charity enabling it to sell a wider range of goods.

As a Home store it could sell items for living and dining rooms as well as kitchens and bedrooms.

This would include linens and white goods such as washing machines and fridges.

Plans have been submitted to Carlisle City Council for signage on the building, which is currently standing empty on the corner of Blackfriars Street.

A spokeswoman for British Heart Foundation said: "Although the offer has been accepted, completion is not yet known so we cannot comment further at this stage."

Dickinsons, which had stores in Carlisle, Hexham and Alnwick, went into administration in December.

The firm moved into Carlisle in 2012 taking over the huge sandstone building that formerly housed Chapmans furniture store.

About 30 jobs were lost when the prominent shop closed.

The area where the BHF shop would be based has suffered several losses in recent times.

The former Central Plaza hotel remains empty and in a state of disrepair and The Cookware Company closed last month - leaving another shop standing empty.

Carlisle City Council Paul Nedved said it was a first step in the regeneration of the Victoria Viaduct area following its recent demise.

"It has got to be welcomed that a premises like that is being taken on by a reputable charity organisation.

"Anything that can regenerate that area has got to be welcomed.

"I'm delighted that the property hasn't stood for a substantial period of time.

"We look forward to seeing it develop. It will be a first step in the regeneration of that area.

"It is nice to see somebody come from the third sector."