A POPULAR beer shop will close its doors next month.

Clint West, the owner of The House of Beer, in Silver Street, Ramsbottom, has announced that the shop will be shutting for good so he can spend more time with his young family.

Mr West opened the shop in February 2016 and it has since blossomed into a paradise for beer lovers, with its range of more than 400 different beers, ranging from local Ramsbottom breweries to craft beers from around the world.

He says that although he is looking forward to spending more time with his children, the announcement 'comes tinged with a great deal of sadness'.

Mr West added: "It's solely down to personal persons. I work all weekend and I want to spend more time with my young children who I never get to see.

"I have absolutely loved it and have met so many wonderful people. The customers are fantastic but in the end some things are more important."

Following the announcement, customers took to Facebook to express their sadness at the news, and wish Mr West well for the future.

John Durkan said: "I'm so sorry to hear your news. The shop was a real treasure trove of beery delights and you were such a nice person. I will really miss you and your shop. I wish you well in whatever you choose to do next."

The provisional date for closure has been set as February 24, however, Mr West says it is dependent upon whether he sells the rest of his stock before then.

During the coming weeks, the shop will be reducing prices on much of its beer in an effort to clear stock.