A Workington pub is launching its third attempt to create a beer garden.

Pub chain Wetherspoon has just lodged proposals to use land at the rear of its New Oxford Street premises, currently used for storage.

Earlier this year, the chain applied to Allerdale council to convert the first floor of the Henry Bessemer into a rooftop beer garden.

It wanted to turn the area, which used to be a nightclub, into an al fresco space for 70 people.

It said it wanted to keep the dome and facade of the building, which used to be the Rendezvous cinema, and replace the windows on the front and the left side of the building with a balustrade.

But plans were later withdrawn and the company said it wanted to consider alternative options.

Last year, the pub submitted a planning application for a beer garden and smoking area on the ground floor to the right of the building.

Those plans were also withdrawn.

Spokesman Eddie Gershon said: "The pub is extremely popular and we are always keen to provide our customers with the best facilities.

"We believe that a beer garden will enhance the pub and be welcomed by our customers."

The company said it did not know when it would be likely to start work, as the project was subject to planning approval.

A consultation into the plans will close on August 8.

The building used to be owned by Graves (Cumberland) Ltd, and housed the Rendezvous, Trader Bill's on the first floor and the Bull and Bush pub in the basement.

Graves, which opened the Plaza Cinemas multiplex at Dunmail Park, sold the building to JD Wetherspoon.

The Henry Bessemer opened in 2001, following a £1.5 million revamp by the national pub chain.