A much-loved restaurant in Westbury which closed in January after 12 years will reopen thanks to the investment of two local businessmen.

Mike Horlock, 47, and his wife Peggy, 62, decided to close the White Rabbit in Edward Street in the New Year when Mrs Horlock retired due to ill health.

But the popular eatery will reopen on Easter Sunday thanks to local businessmen Neil Brawn and Kevin McBain, who own Bratton building firm CPR Ltd - and the pair have reinstated Mr Horlock as manager.

Mr Horlock, who owns Checkers Cafe in Westbury Mall, said: “When the White Rabbit closed it was probably the lowest point for me because it was the end of an era.

“So many people have come up to me to say ‘it’s such a shame that it’s closed’, and ‘when is it going to reopen?’ People used to come from Trowbridge, Warminster and Bradford on Avon just to have lunch here.

“Neil and Kevin have given me the opportunity to run it again and I really appreciate that. I’ve always thrived on challenges and this is another challenge for me.”

Mr Horlock believes the restaurant will bring a much-needed boost to the town’s economy.

He said: “I think the White Rabbit will rejuvenate Edward Street because we used to serve between 30 and 40 lunches a day so hopefully those customers will use the nearby shops.

“Neil is also local minded and is focused on using local produce and local suppliers, which will keep the local economy strong.

“Everyone is feeling the pinch and anyone who says they aren’t is lying, but most of the local businesses in the town seem to be holding their own.”

The restaurant, which has had a major refurbishment, is holding an open day for customers new and old to sample a free coffee and hot cross bun.

The White Rabbit will open from 9am to 3pm Monday to Saturday and there will be two sitting times on a Sunday - 12pm and 1.45pm. The owners also plan to open the restaurant on Friday and Saturday evenings.

For bookings call the restaurant on 01373 827018.

In other business news, gift shop the White Horse Emporium in Maristow Street, Westbury, has closed down.