The Kingstown branch of McDonald's in Carlisle is closed for a month for a major refurbishment.

Diggers and workmen are currently ripping apart the fast food outlet and transforming the site "to bring it into the digital age".

A spokeswoman for the international food giants said: "Our restaurant is currently undergoing a major digital makeover.

"With innovations led by improving the customer experience, these major digital changes will benefit everyone.

"To improve the speed and ease of ordering, customers will have the option to use one of the self-order kiosks.

"These allow customers to browse the menu, look at nutritional information and personalise their meals, giving people more time to consider their food and drink choices."

The restaurant is set to re-open its doors for business on April 27.

The spokeswoman added: "The future changes have been designed with changing customer needs in mind."

The firm's Scotch Street branch in the city centre shut before Christmas for a similar refurbishment.

It now has self service kiosks and digital menu boards.

The revamp comes as the building neighbouring the Scotch Street branch undergoes preparation to become a footwear and clothing shop called Footasylum.

The firm, which was established in 2005, has more than 50 shops in the UK, including one at the intuMetrocentre in Gateshead.

Workmen are currently fitting out the Carlisle shop and it is due to open next month.

In Shaddongate, a new bed shop is celebrating its opening today by offering customers a 20 per cent discount.

Dreams will open its new store in The Maltings at 9am.

The Dreams' trademark bear will be visiting the store between 11am and 3pm tomorrow to keep children entertained.

Dreams is moving into the building previously occupied by Wynsors shoe shop.

From today until Monday customers will be offered the 20 per cent discount.

Carlisle's Aga showroom on Lowther Street is closing today with the loss of four jobs.