A BISTRO has reopened after refurbishment with news it has raised more than £2,000 for a local homeless charity.

The Grove, in Belton Way East, Leigh, relaunched on Friday after a New Year’s makeover which included newwooden floors, new furniture and wallpaper.

Owners Delvin and Louise Pitt also announced they and their customers had raised £2,237 for Harp, via the StreetSmart campaign. It asked restaurant diners across the country to add £1 to their bill for a local homeless charity during November and December.

Mr Pitt said: “We’ve been doing this a few years now and are totally behind the campaign, as are our staff. It’s only an extra £1 on your bill, but goes to show it makes a big difference.”

StreetSmart director Glenn Pougnet, a former St Thomas More pupil from Benfleet, said: “The Grove has been doing this for six or seven years and is our largest fundraiser in Essex by far. We hope to bring in £5,000 for Harp this year and, with all the Grove has done, I think we might.”

Other Southend restaurants involved in the campaign include Il Pescatore, Queens Road, Mange Tout, Chichester Road, Terracotta Tea Rooms, Leigh Broadway West, and Affinity 1777, London Road, Leigh.