A LEADING Droitwich resident, who was born and bred in the town, has just taken over one of its most prominent restaurants.

Darryl Bradford, who has been involved in many town projects including fighting to save the Lido pool, has taken over Rossini restaurant on Worcester Road with business partner Greg Chojnacki.

The pair aim make the Italian eaterie the top venue in the town and want to attract new customers and encourage more visitors from outside Droitwich. Regular customers will recognise both Darryl and Greg as they both worked at the restaurant when it was in different hands.

But they want to take it to new heights and offer excellent service, mouth-watering food and an unbeatable ambience.

Darryl said: "This is a new venture for us and we want to get it right. We have a new look and layout and are constantly working to offer that extra bit more so people return again and again. Droitwich is a wonderful town and we want to help put it more prominently on the map as a great place to go for a fantastic night out."

Darryl, aged 39, and Greg, 31, also work to raise cash for St Richard's Hospice in Worcester and have teamed up with the charity's Worcestershire Businesswoman of the Year 2006/7, Esther Ruggerio.

They host Esther's Ladies' Lunches, which raise cash for the hospice and are held at the venue every six weeks.

Darryl added: "It's great to be able to help a cause that helps the people of the town and we welcome any ladies that want to attend a charity lunch to get in touch."