An Italian restaurant which has been in the heart of a town for nearly a quarter of a century has reopened after a £200,000 makeover.

Don Vincenzo in Rochester High Street is now nearly twice the size after taking over a neighbouring shop.

The expansion means a bigger kitchen to prepare their traditional Italian cuisine and more space for diners.

It will also accommodate extra toilets and more storage space.

The family-run business opened in 1998 and was one of the first Continental eateries to open in the historic part of the town.

Last summer, an empty unit in the precinct next door, which used to be Wild Heart Bridal shop, was acquired.

Sicilian-born owner Tino Trimarchi said: "I couldn't think of a better way of spending the money. It's my tribute to Rochester."

Tino came to England when he was 16 to visit an uncle in London and said: "It was love at first sight."

He got a job at a patisserie in Soho and then moved to an Italian restaurant in the West End where the chef took him under his wing.

His first love of cooking came when he was 10 and he used to help his grandmother in her Sicilian kitchen

He also worked as a waiter at the trendy Tramp nightclub, a popular haunt with the rich and famous.

It was on a visit to a friend in Rochester that he decided he wanted to put down roots.

He moved with Anna, his Italian wife of 32 years, and opened what is now one of town's most popular restaurants.

Like most Italians, family is of paramount importance to Tino.

His son Luca works for him and his nephews Stefano and Gabriele are chefs.

He is proud that the Italian eatery is popular with Italians.

He said: "It's re-assuring. If they don't like your food they will let you know and they won't come back."

The extension means it can cater for more than 20 new covers and six extra staff have been taken on in the restaurant and kitchen.

When asked if he plans to retire, he said: "Never. One day I will hand over to my family, but I will always be in the background.

"Ideally, I'd like to spend six months here and six months in Sicily. We shall see."