EATERIES are prepping for their first Middlesbrough Restaurant Week serving dishes from around the world in a bid to boost orders.

There are16 bistros taking part in the event which runs from Monday, September 29 to Sunday, October 5, offering cut-price meals.

Businesses taking part include Pixie’s Diner (two courses for £7.70), The Purple Pig, (burger and a cocktail for £10) and Akbar’s (two courses for £11 and three for £14 from a set menu).

The scheme is being organised in association with Growing Middlesbrough – an initiative led by One Planet Middlesbrough: Creating Sustainable Communities in partnership with the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens, which links local food retailers with local suppliers.

Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “Our town has a wide range of quality restaurants and the first Middlesbrough Restaurant Week is fortunate to have a vibrant mix included in the event.

“We want to showcase this by reminding people what a brilliant food offer we have here in Middlesbrough and it’s also a great opportunity for people to try somewhere they have never been before or to take advantage of their favourite restaurant’s exclusive offer.

“There are 16 restaurants taking part and all offering something different - there is a real buzz in the town already.”

Mr Rooney said that when Newcastle held its restaurant week, venues enjoyed an average increase in sales of 43 per cent during the promotion.