A VEGAN restaurant has closed its doors for the final time.

Laura Chepner, the owner of Lolo’s Vegan Restaurant and Bar in Market Place, Ramsbottom, announced that she has ceased trading.

Mrs Chepner, who opened the 1920s-themed eatery in July 2015, has recently been given the all-clear after a battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

She says she has been left ‘exhausted’ and hopes to spend some time recovering with her family.

“It all boils down to my health. I have been running the business single-handedly and there’s no one to hand the reins over to while I regroup,” she said.

“I was diagnosed with stage three Hodgkin’s lymphoma last year and just came out the other side after chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“I was given the all-clear in December and, going into the new year, we were having the conversation of whether I had the energy to continue.

“I have a four-year-old daughter so it became quite apparent that we were all pretty exhausted as a family.”

Lolo’s has proven a hit among Greater Manchester’s vegan community and said goodbye to customers by hosting a party on Saturday night.

In a message to customers, Mrs Chepner said: “It’s not been an easy decision to make.

“I have made some great lifelong friends and learned so much about how lovely and genuine people can be and I will always cherish that and the memories.

“When I opened this place three years ago there were no vegan options in supermarkets. It was just me and a few other cafes bumbling along, so it was a huge risk.

“In the last three years everywhere has started doing vegan stuff so I feel as though my work here is done.”

After hearing the news, loyal customers took to Facebook to express their sadness and wish Mrs Chepner well in the future.

Suzanne McQueenie said: “So sad you are having to make this decision but your health and family come first.

“Visiting Lolo’s was instrumental in our transition to becoming vegan about 18 months ago.

“Hope the place continues to offer great vegan food. Good luck with everything.”

A buyer has already been found but their identities and plans for the building have not yet been revealed.