The property, 34 King Street, has been empty since February this year after the previous tenants, off licence operator Thresher, vacated the premises.

According to Simon England, solicitor in the Commercial Property department at Napthens, the site received interest from a number of parties, including some national companies, but owner Nicky Leeming chose a local operator. Nicky owns a portfolio of property in the Clitheroe area.

Now Peter Buckley Ltd, a company which owns several community pharmacies, with sites in Wigan and Preston, will relocate its existing pharmacy from at 4 Railway View Road, Clitheroe, to the King Street premises.

Simon England, who acts for a range of commercial property clients in East Lancashire, and is local to the Clitheroe area, said: “There has been great interest in this property since it was vacated, including from a number of national companies.

“Despite this, Nicky decided to go with a local tenant who is moving to expand his business. This is a great sign of the strength of the local business community, and the prime spot at King Street will benefit from the area’s high footfall.”

Simon England and Alastair Procter of Athertons Commercial, Clitheroe, acted for Nicky Leeming.

Nicky added: “I really wanted to give Mr Buckley, a local businessman, the opportunity to expand his business in a prime spot at the premises I own in King Street.

“I think it would be a great asset for the town and I wish him every success.

“Simon England at Napthens and Alastair Procter at Athertons both did an excellent job and worked very hard in securing the lease for me.”