Those local to the Forest of Dean may remember the well-respected family-run store that was once open for business in Coleford - for 150 years.

Pat Bolters, one of the Forest's oldest shops is to reopen as a restaurant after gaining planning permission for its change of use.

The former Market Place tobacconist, barber and confectionary store closed its doors in 2017 when then owner, Pat Bolter, avid Punchline reader, was forced to close due to ill health.

The grade two listed building is now due to be given a new lease of life after planning permission submitted to the Forest of Dean District Council was approved.

Although the property has new owners, the family name will remain at the forefront of the business venture, with the new restaurant being named 'Bolters'.

The small, 90 sq metre town centre site will be converted into a 'unique micro bar and kitchen'.

The application said the restaurant will "offer a menu of high-quality, contemporary cuisine, served within the unique, characterful surroundings that the listed building offers".

Subject to a licence being approved, the applicant also wishes to serve high-quality wines and beers (craft ales, organic wines etc), and to host low key entertainment (acoustic performances for example).

The new business is expected to create eight jobs, six full time and two part time.

The behind the project, specialist builders and building contractors, Mike Etheridge Construction was featured in our latest magazine, Gloucestershire's Apprenticeship Champion's, for its commitment to offering apprenticeships in the county.