THE Darwen Deli Diner has had to shut its doors after less than a year of being open putting eight people out of work.

The restaurant on Market Street is also well-known for its upstairs cake shop and tea room which has now moved downstairs to where the diner was.

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Julia and Paul, who run the business, said: “In April we opened our diner, full of excitement and ambition.

“We are just a couple trying to make Darwen better, trying to feed our seven kids, trying to pay for dance lessons and music lessons.

“But only weeks before Christmas we had to close it.

“We have tried our best over months to make it work, offers, kids eat free, challenge weekend and others.

“We want to thank all the staff for understanding and their hard work, they have been amazing.

“We have moved the cake shop down stairs.

“We can still offer coffee, teas, a few shakes.

“We are going to do simple food, but please bare with us during this transition time, we need to find our feet again.

“A massive thanks to our customers who’ve shown support over the last year, we hope to see you all again soon.”