A well-loved sporting goods shop has announced that it has been brought under new management. 

Chivers Sports on Abbey Street, Carlisle announced the change in management on social media months after announcing that it would close in early 2024. 

Announcing the takeover on social media, they said: "Chivers Sports would like to announce we are under new management from today and your local running specialists are looking forward to your continued support for many years to come.

"More announcements to follow exciting times ahead."

Chivers Sports' new management also confirmed that all of the shop's staff would be retained. 

The family business, which dates back to 1945, had been actively searching for new buyers ahead of its previous owner's retirement throughout 2023, but due to a lack of progress had confirmed its closure in January 2024. 

Speaking at the time, they said: "We can now confirm that we will now be closing the shop due to retirement.

"We have spent the last 10 months meeting potential buyers of our business, but time is pushing on and it's time to go.

"We will miss all our fantastic customers and friends.

"We have been so fortunate to know and do business with such lovely people."

The announcement of new management at Chivers Sports on Friday, April 5 was met with an outpouring of love from the local community, with many relieved to see that the Carlisle stalwart would live on. 

One person said: "Fantastic news. So happy for you all, for us customers, and for all the feet of the city.

"Best of luck to you all going forward."

Another local shopper said: "Fantastic news always great to keep local shops, hopefully get better shoe colour ranges to keep us fussy runners happy!"