Pub-goers and travellers will once again be able to raise a glass in Carlisle's railway station as it prepares to house a pub inspired by the period in which it was built.

Fred Bell is behind plans which will see the building on platform four transformed into a pub and eatery.

Fred, 35, of Wigton, thinks it will be great to be at the Grade II listed station and is aiming to open the doors early next month.

"Every train station needs a good bar and that it what we felt Carlisle Railway Station was missing," said Fred, who has a track record in the pub trade.

"It's a sympathetic recreation of a period, Victorian luncheon bar. It will be a colonial style environment but with all the modern facilities like wifi to make people feel comfortable."

While its not necessarily part of Network Rail's ongoing multi-million pound improvements at the station, Fred said it will become a key part of the refurbished station.

"We have been wholeheartedly supported by Virgin and Network Rail," he said.

The venture is also being supported by Amey and the Railway Heritage Trust.

The high-arched building has served a number of purposes, including being the Station Buffet in about the 1950s.

Named 301 Miles From London - based on Carlisle folklore which claims that is the distance from the capital, although it's actually thought to be 299 miles - it will now feature as much of the fabric of the old building and any other railway heritage that can be preserved.

There is an old stone fire place and impressive windows.

A restored Victorian bar from Ireland will also be installed.

An official opening will take place on March 31 in conjunction with the reopening of the section of the Settle to Carlisle Line between Armathwaite and the city.

As part of the celebration the The Flying Scotsman is also heading to the city along the historic route, which was opened in 1875, to celebrate the completion of repairs following a major landslip during storms over a year ago

The pub will serve cask ales, wines, spirits and hot and cold drinks - which can be taken out - as well as food which will be sourced locally.