Ownership at an Italian restaurant, which is also known for hosting events, is changing hands after the current owners announced they were leaving.

In an announcement made on Facebook, San Rocco Restaurants said ownership was changing at the Ashton-under-Lyne establishment.

The post said the Stefanuto family would no longer run the restaurant after 18 years due to a "challenging" last few years.

The statement said: "Unfortunately due to family life we could not give San Rocco the attention that was needed at this time."

They said the staff at San Rocco, based on Stamford Square had been "a pleasure to work with" and thanked them for their work.

The new owners, called Emin and Shaip, are set to "modernise" and change the name of the restaurant in the near future.

Bookings, weddings and special private events will continue to be honoured as the ownership changes hands.

San Rocco also has a restaurant in Oldham, based on Broadway.