TIMES are changing at one of the Fylde's best-loved restaurants - The Stocks.

For the Poulton restaurant is about to say goodbye to long-term owners, Charles and Sheila Ruppert, who first opened their door to the Stocks-loving public on April 14, 1974.

New owners - current head chef, Simon Southern, and partner, Gennaro Calafiore - are due to take over the helm of the Market Place venue from this Sunday.

But regulars need not worry.

The well-known Poulton couple - who also own the Headlands Hotel, Blackpool, and the Alpenhof, Preston - aim to pop in from time-to-time to check how the 'Old Girl' is doing.

German-born Charles (pictured) said: "This weekend really is the end of an era for me and my family and I'm very sad to leave The Stocks behind.

"This building is not just a business to me but it is also the home where I raised my family for more than 16 years.

"There is going to have to be some major readjustments on our part but life is all about change.

"Also I can take comfort in the fact that I know I'm leaving the restaurant in very capable hands with Simon and Gennaro.

"They both have very high professional standards.

"Simon is an outstanding head chef and Gennaro is a very good front-of-house person.

"I'm confident The Stocks will continue to provide customers with the quality they have come to associate with the restaurant's name.

"And we are looking forward to becoming regulars here, although I'm not sure if I'll be able to resist jumping up to greet visitors or smooth tablecloths or something."