THE Blake Head Bookshop and Vegetarian Caf on Micklegate, York, has been sold as a going concern to a member of staff.

David Lambourne, who owned the business since 1975, diversifying into a vegetarian caf during the 1980s has sold the venture to Carl Winston, a loyal employee for the last five years, and his partner, Clair Turner.

All aspects of the sale, including the purchase of the property, the business contract, the transfer of the liquor license and a review of all employment contracts was undertaken by York law firm Langleys.

Clair said: "We knew that David was interested in selling the Blake Head and saw it as a wonderful opportunity to purchase the business as a going concern.

"Carl had worked here for five years, so we already had a comprehensive working knowledge of the business and good relationships with the staff but were in need of sound legal advice and support to guide us through the process.

"Langleys had a team of solicitors working with us on all the various aspects of the sale. They have demonstrated a real understanding of our needs and provided us with a first-class service throughout."