AN Italian restaurant is opening specially for Mother's Day, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity.

Che Vita restaurant, in Gilesgate, Durham, will make a contribution to Marie Curie Cancer Care, which provides nurses to care for cancer patients in their own homes.

The restaurant opened last month, at the former Budd Bigallow's, alongside Durham Travelodge.

Marie Curie Cancer Care community fundraising manager Linda McDonough said: "I can highly recommend the restaurant, because I have been there a few times.

"It does not normally open on a Sunday, but are doing so for this event.

"A big thank you to the restaurant for doing this for us. All the money raised will stay in the area, even though it is a nationwide charity.

"We have 42 nurses who look after cancer patients in their own homes."

There will be three sittings, from noon to 6pm, and a further two sittings, from 8pm to midnight, on Sunday, March 26.

Three-course meals cost £12.95. For further information, contact the restaurant on 0191-384 1010.