A FURNITURE firm in Astley Bridge is set to open an on-site Italian bistro after receiving a cash boost of £80,000.

Global Interiors, which operates on the site of the old Riley's snooker hall in Blackburn Road, is to expand its premises and install a mezzanine level to double its floor space and house Italian bistro Dolce.

Director Donna Burrell hopes Dolce will be open by Christmas, after agreeing a partnership with restaurateur Rosario Latona.

The money will come from a Business Finance Solutions business loan, and will create five jobs at the Astley Bridge premises, taking the total staff number to twelve.

Dolce will showcase Global Interiors' stock, with the tables, chairs and artwork all available to buy.

The bistro will open during the day, with the target audience being shoppers who want some lunch in between browsing for furniture.

Ms Burrell said: "We are hoping to be open by Christmas but, at the very latest by early next year."

"A lot of building work will be going on in the next few weeks but fingers crossed we can get in before Christmas.

Mr Latona, who runs Leo's restaurant in Horwich, said: "When a couple are buying furniture how will they be able to resist the smell of garlic bread in the air?

"Also, one may be taking a long while, and the other might want a coffee or a beer while they wait.

"This is a fantastic opportunity and I can't wait to get started."

Global Interiors has operated from its Botany Bay site since its launch in 1987, and is renowned for rustic rough-sawn furniture.

Ms Burrell added: "Receiving the business loan and the support from BFS has really enabled us to push forward with our growth plans and to continue to provide a great retail experience and create new jobs in the North West.

"Global Interiors and our famous handmade pine furniture have been part of people's homes since 1987 and we are really proud to be opening and expanding our second store this year."

BFS Business Loans is a government backed initiative which will invest £24 million into companies in Greater Manchester over the next 10 years.

A condition of the loan is that it must create or protect jobs and typical loans will be from £3,000 to £100,000.