OWNERS of a Mediterranean restaurant in Belmont could be opening up a new farm shop within the next few months.

Katie and Adam Chapman, who own San Marino in Belmont Road, are currently in the process of constructing the new business in a large extension next to the main building.

Mrs Chapman said her husband had been involved with San Marino for more than a decade and bought the premises when he was given the opportunity a few years ago.

The 35-year-old, who lives with her husband in Anglezarke, said: "My husband owns San Marino and we have built an extension on the side, which is at the gable end.

"And we came up with the idea of turning it into a café and shop with the retail area selling farm-type goods. Hopefully in eight weeks it will all be ready to go."

The pair came up with the idea when they decided to build the extension on the side of the building and they are hoping to provide something new for the people who live in the area.

She said: "My husband has been at San Marino for about 15 years and bought the building. He has always been interested in local produce.

"We had the idea of putting the extension on the building and from there we decided to make it into a shop.

"It will just add something into Belmont and brings something new. The Belmont Bull has recently closed so there is nothing for the people that live here.

"There are a lot of walkers in this area and it will just give them somewhere to shop. It will be great for people with dogs."

She said that it would be a sizeable shop and café, which would have space for roughly 50 people, and would include an outside seating area with views over the village.

The store will be called Lottie's — named after the pair's daughter Charlotte.

It will be selling a range of produce, all sourced locally according to Mrs Chapman, including dairy products and jams.

The pair are hoping the shop will be open by the end of June.