A bakery in Brierfield is preparing to close its doors, citing rising energy bills as a primary reason.

The family-run Brierfield Bakery, which specialised in pies, sandwiches, breads and cakes, , released a statement saying that it “can’t keep going” amid cost of living price hikes.

The statement said: “It's with heavy hearts that we have to announce the very difficult decision to close permanently.

“Unfortunately, with the cost of living rises we can't keep going.

“We want to thank all of our wonderful customers who have supported us over the past four years... we class a lot of you as friends and will miss you all.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Laura Doherty, co-owner of the Burnley Road business alongside Frank and Jean Doherty, said the future is uncertain for the team.

She said: “Unfortunately with the rise in bills, such as gas and electric and the price of ingredients, it got too much to carry on.

“It's a shame because we loved working there and made a lot of friends. We're not sure what we are going to do next but I don't think we'll be opening another business!

“We'd like to thank all of our wonderful customers for their support over the past four years and wish everybody all the best for the future.”

It is not the only East Lancashire bakery to have closed in recent weeks.

Bella's Bakes, on Manchester Road in Burnley, closed in January after six years of trading.

Bella's Bakes was a bespoke cake shop that made wedding cakes, christening cakes, birthday cakes, and other cake designs for all occasions.

Located in Manchester Road, owner Hannah Greenwood announced the closure on Facebook.