A FRENCH restaurant in Stockton Heath hosted a series of special events to mark the chain's 21st birthday.

Le Bistrot Pierre, based on London Road, thanked diners for their continuous support by placing golden tickets under chairs inside the eatery during last Wednesday's anniversary day, some of which contained an offer for a free meal.

The restaurant also gave away complimentary Veuve Devienne French sparkling wine to 10 lucky Stockton Heath couples, who 'liked' the company's Facebook page.

Co-owner Rob Beacham, who set up Le Bistrot with business partner and friend John Whitehead 21 years ago, wished to thank residents in the village and is confident of experiencing many more milestones.

"Seeing our business grow, working with our fantastic restaurant teams and delivering a great customer experience that you cannot get anywhere else gives us a sense of enormous satisfaction," said Rob.

"To be expanding during tough economic times make us both very proud.

"But it's the people at the sharp end, those who work on the restaurant floor and in the kitchens, who should take the credit."

Rob and John have been friends since their school days and 'dreamed' about going into business together.

The pair originally opened their first venue in Nottingham, with a franchise of restaurant chain Pierre Victoire in 1994.

As well as Stockton Heath and Nottingham, Le Bistrot Pierre now has restaurants in Derby, Bath, Cardiff, Plymouth, Harrogate, Leamington Spa, Leicester, Sheffield, Stratford-upon-Avon and Torquay.