One of Blackburn's oldest curry houses has decided to concentrate on takeaways and lose its sit-down dining area.

Khyber Café, in Whalley Range, Blackburn, has decided to extend its kitchen and counter into the previous seating area as they focus on takeaway orders.

Manager Salim Mohammed said: "People are wanting more takeaways now and they are staying at home.

"There's not much nightlife left in Blackburn so all the takeaways have got more popular. People are happier staying in."

When restrictions were lifted allowing people to eat inside earlier this year, the restaurant, which has been open for nearly 55 years, decided to keep their indoor seating area closed.

Due to the takeaway service becoming drastically more popular in this time, the owner decided against reopening and instead has planned to refurbish their kitchen.

Salim added: "We have had people from Clitheroe, Chorley, Blackpool and Burnley contacting us since we announced it.

"People have said they have been visiting us for 45 years and they are quite sad that we are a takeaway now.

"They said that they were told about us by their grandparents and parents."

The refurbishment will also give the restaurant the opportunity to increase the menu, offering new dishes.

One of the new dishes to land will be 'sizzler kebabs' which Salim has said he has wanted to introduce for some time.

He concluded: "It's a 55-year-old takeaway and we are excited to take Khyber to the next level.

"The new dishes will complement the menu."

The refurbishment has started today (September 27) however the takeaway will remain open during this time.

The restaurant, which was the town's first curry house, was opened in 1967 by Sher Mohammed, who came to the UK from Pakistan in the 1950s.

It has been one of the most popular restaurants in the North West renowned for its authentic taste of Sher's homeland.

In 2002 he handed over the reins to his sons, Salim and Faheem.