A Workington chef is hoping to bring a splash of multiculturalism to the town when his new cafe and takeaway opens next month.

Mahir Ali, 42, of William Street, will run Shaan Desi Spice at the former Greggs premises on Pow Street.

The business will offer a wide range of food and drinks and is expected to start welcoming the first customers in early October.

Mr Ali came over to England in 1980 from Bangladesh and has worked all over the country but moved to Workington two months ago after finding out about the empty unit online.

He said: "This opportunity came up so I enquired about it and set up here in the town centre. I also have a friend who lives locally.

"Since I left school I've worked as an Indian chef and have worked part-time as a waiter. I have over 20 years experience as a chef.

"It'll be an open plan kitchen. We'll do fast food and coffee during the day and Indian takeaway at night.

"It will be a cafe until 5pm and there will be a bit of everything for everyone."

The name Shaan comes from an Arabic word and means both respected and famous in the Punjabi language.

He added: "People can try Indian in a modern version, for example, using a naan base for a pizza.

"I'm quite anxious to get started and keen to open as soon as possible. I like meeting people and hearing people's views about what they like."

At least six jobs will also be created when it opens which includes part-time and full-time staff positions and delivery drivers.

The cafe and takeaway is expected to operate between 8am and 11pm seven days a week once its doors open.