One of the region's most progressive restaurant chains is closing the first restaurant it opened to concentrate on new ventures.

Oldfield's has decided to close its restaurant in Barnard Castle, County Durham. The restaurant, opened by managing director Bill Oldfield five years ago, was the first in the chain, which has since gone from strength to strength.

Oldfield's recently opened its largest restaurant in Durham, complementing another Oldfield's in Darlington. Mr Oldfield plans to open a further 12 restaurants across the region during the next five years.

The Barnard Castle restaurant has fallen victim to the success of the Oldfields chain's newer siblings and was last night said to "no longer fit with the new Oldfield's portfolio".

Oldfield's marketing manager Charlotte Mitton said: "Barney is a small town and a lot more "tea and teacakes", whereas the others are a lot more vibrant."

Mr Oldfield said: "Oldfield's Barnard Castle has been extremely successful over the last five years and it has been a hugely enjoyable experience. However, we feel that it no longer fits in with the new Oldfield's portfolio.

"The decision seems a natural progression for the way the business is moving forward."

He added: "I am extremely sad to see it go. I found it quite upsetting, particularly on Christmas Eve because I have put an awful lot of passion and soul into Barnard Castle.

"But it is an 18-hour a day job. To try to do that and run an expanding restaurant group is impossible."