AN African restaurant has officially opened in Colchester.

Chez Afrique, at 36 St Botolph's Street, is an extension to the African grocery store, Choice Food next door, run by Gilbert and Patience Ayisire since 2014.

The couple will also run the restaurant, which will serve rice dishes, stews and more.

Mrs Ayisire, who will be head chef, said: "We are very pleased to be the pioneers of the African restaurant in Colchester.

"We aim to offer a wide variety of African flavours from Africa."

Five volunteers will help her to run the premises.

The food ingredients are sourced from around Africa but the prepared dishes are mainly Western African, with more emphasis on Nigeria.

Mrs Ayisere also plans to do speciality food days such as Kenyan, South African and Hungarian.

Guests at the official launch included Colchester Mayor Julie Young, councillor Theresa Higgins and Rachel Walton of African Families in the UK.

Mrs Walton's community interest company launched in Colchester last summer and holds workshops and seminars to help African families with parenting styles and cultural family practices in Britain.

Mrs Walton added: "Chez Afrique is bringing a taste of Africa, is enriching the culture and economic landscape of Colchester, the town we are proud of."

Patrick Ramazani, of Fresh Beginnings, which provides practical help to refugees, asylum seekers and migrant workers, also attended.