AN East Lancashire restaurateur has announced a £3million expansion plan across the North West.

Heathcotes, owned by acclaimed chef Paul Heathcote, is to open three new restaurants and refurbish its existing portfolio.

Mr Heathcote, who started out by opening his first restaurant in Longridge 16 years ago, will open one new premises in Manchester city centre and Cheadle Hulme in Greater Manchester.

Last week a new restaurant, the Olive Press Pizzeria Bar and Grill, was opened in Clitheroe.

Refurbishments will also take place in each of the company's existing restaurants in a programme due to be completed by the end of 2008.

The expansion will take the number of restaurants in the Heathcotes portfolio from 12 to 15 and the total number of employees to around 750.

Paul Heathcote said: "We have expanded gradually over the last 16 years since I opened my first restaurant in Longridge.

"However, the time is now ripe to step things up a gear and I have big ambitions for the company.

"Our aim is for each restaurant in the Heathcotes portfolio to be unique and individual, but with the same core values - a passion for quality, fresh ingredients, exceptional cooking and beautiful surroundings."

The Olive Press in Clitheroe will be serving Italian food in rustic surroundings. Another Olive Press will open in Cheadle Hulme by the end of 2007.

Grado, featuring new wave Spanish food, will open in Manchester Piccadilly in November 2007.

Mr Heathcote added: "The projects involved in our expansion are extremely exciting and the Heathcotes team are embracing them with real passion.

"There is no doubt that the next year and a half is set to be one of the most significant periods in the history of the company."