A pizza restaurant and takeaway in Shaw, crowned 'the best' by residents, has announced a sudden comeback for the new year following a lengthy closure.

Mamma Pizza on Rochdale Road seemingly vanished and closed for "a long time" last year.

While it's a mystery why the shop shut its doors for months, bosses at the restaurant announced in a post on social media that they were "back" as of Saturday, December 30.

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The post read: "I would like to let you know that we are back open.

"The good old Mamma Pizza is here.

"I am sincerely sorry for not being open for a long time, however, I look forward to seeing you all again."

Dozens of residents in Shaw are seemingly celebrating its return, calling it "the best" pizza place in Oldham and sharing the "wonderful news" with friends.

One man wrote: "It used to be my favourite place" while another said: "Finally, this is brill news."

A third said: "It's about time! Proper pizza in Shaw again." 

A neighbour also said the restaurant does "the best lamb kebab and chilli sauce ever" to which another family agreed, writing: "We missed our mixed kebabs".

Others said they had missed the restaurant and flocked to grab a pizza immediately when the announcement was made.

A resident said: "I've already been seen reopening - pizza as good as ever."

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.