A specialist cheese and fine foods deli based in Trafford has announced its shock closure "with a very heavy heart".

The Cheese Shop, based on Crofts Bank Road in Urmston, opened in May 2019 and has served cheese and other foods, with a focus on British produce and supporting local producers.

However, in a post shared on the deli's social media accounts, it has announced it will be shutting its doors in late May, five years after it opened.

The post did say, however, that the business would not be completely shutting down, and that an online service would be developed.

The post read: "With a very heavy heart and great sadness we regret to announce the closure of The Cheese Court. Our doors on Crofts Bank Road will close on 24th May.

"We have faced our fair share of challenges over the last 5 years from a global pandemic to energy hikes and soaring product prices. We have fought hard, but unfortunately we can no longer sustain the business in its current format.

"It is not the end for The Cheese Court entirely however, and whilst we are beyond devastated to say goodbye to our gorgeous little place, our passion for championing artisan cheese remains and we are busy building our new website to move The Cheese Court online.

"This will enable us to continue to supply you with your favourite artisan produce and also allow us to spend more precious time with our young family."

The post continued by thanking customers for their support, saying: "The endless support from our customers has meant everything to us and our journey thus far has been amazing. We hope that you will continue on our journey with us as The Cheese Court enters its next chapter.

"From the bottom of our hearts we would like to thank our wonderful, hardworking and loyal team. We will be eternally grateful.

"We will miss our lovely customers immeasurably and have met some fantastic people along the way. We are still open for a good few weeks yet so please do pop in and say hi if you can."

Dozens of people shared their disappointment to the news, with many saying it was "so sad" and that it was a "shame".