A LONG established local restaurant is to be auctioned tomorrow afternoon following the current owners' decision to retire.

Da Tonino has been serving authentic Italian food to the people of Shipley for over 30 years.

But, owners Antonio and Gail Annecchini, are now looking to settle into retired life, and the premises, which includes the restaurant, the majority of its contents, and the three two bedroom flats above it, will be opened for bids at 2pm tomorrow at an auction at Elland Road.

The property was originally marketed for £475,000 last month, but Auction House West Yorkshire has set a guide price of £340,000, without fees, representing close to a 30 per cent discount with a drop of £135,000.

Auction House West Yorkshire see this as an ideal opportunity for a developer, investor or aspiring restauranteur to acquire a property that boasts a ground floor of approximately 246.4 sq m (2652 sq ft) and includes the forecourt to the front of the premises which is situated on busy Bradford Road.

Mr Annecchini gained vast experience in Italy and England before opening Da Tonino.