A national furniture retailer will open its first Cumbrian store in Carlisle this weekend.

Oak Furniture Land will be opening on St Nicholas Gate Retail Park, off London Road, Carlisle.

It will occupy the former premises of Forces Support, a charity which supports families of fallen soldiers.

It was asked to leave the premises in March so that a furniture retailer could move in.

Seven jobs are being created by the new store, which covers an area of more than 10,000sq ft.

Alan Tombs, northern regional manager at Oak Furniture Land, said: “Following on from the success of our northern stores, we’re really excited to be opening our first showroom in Carlisle.

"The store will play a significant role in our expansion programme across the UK, which has seen the creation of over 500 jobs nationwide.”

The store will feature 20 ranges of furniture, designed in what the company have described as "a classic country style".

Oak Furniture Land began life in 2006 as an online shop and now has more than 75 stores across the UK.

This arrival comes after two other national retailers - Jones Bootmaker and Aga - both left Carlisle last month.

Heather Bradley, Carlisle City Council's portfolio holder for economy, enterprise and housing, was delighted with the news.

She said: "I am always pleased about any national business that chooses to open a branch in Carlisle.

"It shows first of all the recognition of the local economy in Carlisle and it also offers local people greater choice. Any jobs are also very, very welcome."

Mrs Bradley was also keen to see Forces Support find new premises in the city.

"First of all, it was popular," she said. "I live nearby and I often walked through St Nicholas Gate and I could always see there was a lot of interest in the shop.

"I also liked the way in which the money they collected was spent to help people who have suffered for all of us and their families."

The store opens its doors at 9am on Saturday (April 8) .