THE opening of a new Indian restaurant in Radcliffe has created 34 full and part-time jobs.

Around 200 guests enjoyed a meal, Bollywood-style dancing and and entertainment from a singer during a special VIP event at Armaan Exquisite Indian Cuisine on Outwood Road, prior to the restaurant opening to the public.

Guests included the Mayor of Bury Cllr Stella Smith, her consort, husband John, Bury Council deputy leader Cllr Rishi Shori, and local councillors and representatives drawn from the Radcliffe business community.

At the official opening ceremony, the mayor cut a ribbon before being greeted by drummers as she entered the restaurant.

Senior manager Mr Sky Miah said: "This is the fourth restaurant in our chain. We have two in Warrington and another in Saddleworth.

"We chose Radcliffe because we felt the town needed something nice and that there was no upmarket restaurant. We have 18 full-time and 16 part-time staff and can cater for up to 170 diners.

"The premises used to be the old Blockbusters shop and we had to strip everything out. It took us a total of 16 weeks from start to finish. We are delighted to have the restaurant in Radcliffe and we want to do as much as we can to help the local community and work together."

Mr Miah said more restaurants were planned for the future although he was unaware of potential locations at this time.

Cllr Shori said: "I am delighted that Armaan has chosen to come to Radcliffe."

Local resident Susan Anders, who was among the guests at the VIP event, added: "It really is about time something great came to the town. Following the town centre refurbishment and upgrade of the Radcliffe Market Hall, things are really looking up for Radcliffe."