LARKINS' restaurant has closed its doors after 25 years of trading in the town.

The family-run restaurant has been situated at the former Orange House premises on Crab Street in the town centre since December 2012, after moving from North Road.

The restaurant, renowned for freshly-cooked English food which became a St Helens institution, closed its doors on Monday last week (October 2).

Larkins' was opened on North Road 25 years ago by Tony and Wendy Larkin and became a favourite in the town.

It had eight staff members, including five family members and three others.

Head chef Simon Larkin said the decision to close was made after the restaurant could no longer be financially supported.

"It is very sad but it's the time that we're living in," he said.

"Unfortunately we couldn't keep it going.

"My mum and dad have been in the business for around 45 years and had their own business for the last 25 years.

"It's proper home-cooked food that we did.

"I have been working there in the restaurant since I was 11, it's the first time I've been out of work in 30 years.

"We're just coming to terms with it really.

"We thank all our customers for their support over the 25 years we've had the restaurant in St Helens."