AN international pizza chain is gearing up to take over an iconic town centre cafe.

Domino's Pizza will open a Bridport store at the former Cafe Royal site on Tannery Road.

The company has not yet announced when the new takeaway will open its doors, but it hopes to create 25 new jobs.

Work is currently underway at the site to kit out the premises for the new takeaway store, which will open seven days a week.

Helen Tosney-Collins, spokeswoman for Domino’s Pizza Group, said: “Domino’s is always looking for great new locations for its stores, and we’re really excited to have found such good premises right in the heart of the Bridport community.

“We hope to open our doors very soon, and are looking to recruit from within the area, with 25 new jobs available for pizza-passionate locals.”

A Bridport business leader believes "only time will tell" what impact the new pizza take-away store will have on the local economy - but said it could show businesses are taking the town seriously.

Richard Smith, president of Bridport Business Chamber, said: "I'm sure for some it will be disappointing to see another big name coming to Bridport in place of an independent business.

"Yet for others, the prospect of Dominos coming shows that Bridport is being taken seriously as a town to invest in.

"Only time will tell the effect it has on the town's economy. Our hope as always is to see the continued growth of all businesses operating in Bridport."

In April, a planning application was approved by West Dorset District Council to grant permission to use the building as a hot food takeaway.

The company had requested the premises be allowed to open from 8am until midnight, seven days a week - but planners stated it would have to close by 11pm every day "in order to protect the residential amenities of the occupiers of the neighbouring residential properties".

When the plans were discussed by Bridport Town Council earlier this year, Cllr Dave Rickard said it was "a shame that it's stopped being a cafe".

The Cafe Royal building had been threatened with demolition and was sold for almost £300,000. It has been painted by Bridport artist Kit Glaisyer and was given a 1950s diner-style facelift.

For more information on the new Domino's store, please visit facebook.com/DominosBridport