A pharmacist has bought his first pharmacy after completing a deal to take over Bispham Pharmacy in Blackpool.

Christie & Co, who brokered the deal, said Arif Bhuriya bought the pharmacy from regional group O’Briens Pharmacy for an undisclosed amount.

According to Christie & Co, Bispham Pharmacy dispenses an average of 4,500 items a month and is located opposite “a bustling shopping area in the commercial centre of Bispham.”

Christie & Co also said Bispham Pharmacy’s item numbers have “been steadily increasing” since a branch of LloydsPharmacy in the local Sainsburys closed last year.

“I am so pleased to have finally acquired my first pharmacy business after searching for a couple of years,” said Bhuriya, a former Community Pharmacy Lancashire committee member.

“Bispham was an area which I am familiar with, so when I saw the opportunity hit the market, I knew that it was a site that I could take to the next level.”

O’Briens Pharmacy owner Aisling O’Brien said: “When we had a strategic review of our group, we saw Bispham as an ideal site to dispose of, knowing it would fare much better in the current climate as an owner-operated site.

“Naturally, we called Christie & Co and, whilst there was a good deal of interest in the site, it was pleasing to do the deal with Arif whom I am familiar with as a fellow LPC member. We wish him all the very best with the business in the future.”