PLANS to transform an empty market place shop into a restaurant and bar have been given the go-ahead.

An application lodged by Alpha Design on behalf of High Grange Developments Ltd was approved by Copeland Council's planning committee.

The former Treasure Chest toy shop, which had previously been a chemist, will be transformed into the restaurant which will seat between 30 and 36 people.

The venue will offer a variety of foods from burgers, burritos and sandwiches through the day, to steak and grilled food with a Tex-Mex twist during the evening.

Tom Green, who was previously assistant manager at Zest Low Road, will run the venue with his wife, Debbie. It will be known as Number 11 Market Place.

He said he was "absolutely over the moon" that the plans had been approved.

Mr Green has left his job as a maths teacher at the Workington Academy to open the venue.

He said it had always been his dream to open a restaurant after spending a lot of time in the catering industry.

"It's going to be very different to being a teacher but I was in the industry for a long time before and I've missed it while I've not been there," he said.

"I'm excited - a little bit nervous - but mainly excited."

He added that his new venture would be good for the market place and that he hoped it would attract more businesses to the area.

Mr Green said there was no launch date yet but ideally he would like to be open as soon as possible.

The proposed opening times are weekdays from 11.30am to 11pm, Saturdays from 8.30am to 11pm and Sundays 8.30am to 3pm.

It is estimated the restaurant would create four full-time and three part-time jobs.