A POPULAR pub and Italian restaurant which closed suddenly in January has been sold.

The Pack in Elton Road, Belthorn, went up for sale with Keenans Estate Agents in February for offers in the region of £419,950.

This week a sold sign went up outside the premises and it is understood an offer has been accepted and the legal details for completion are being finalised.

The business closed after seven years in January with owner Karl Elsworth saying the decision was made with huge regret.

County Cllr Peter Britcliffe, whose Oswaldtwistle ward includes Belthorn, said: “I am delighted the Pack has been sold. It was an excellent restaurant and I am hoping it will soon be so again for the benefit of the people of Hyndburn and the surrounding area.”

In 2017, The Pack celebrated a turnover boom of 70 per cent, after a £250,000 makeover the previous year which included knocking through walls to make it open plan, extending the bar and adding a new entrance built and terrace. Keenans declined to comment.