A McDonald's restaurant turned sweet 16 - and was given some new electric doors to celebrate.

As part of a major new face-lift the Basildon town centre restaurant now also has smart new toilet facilities and disabled access. Franchise operator, Gen Isikgun, said: "We've increased the seating capacity by 33 seats.

"Since it was built in 1984, it's only had some minor work done but now we can say we've got a truly 21st century restaurant. It's very bright and welcoming."

Vice chairman of Basildon Council David Abrahall was among the VIP guests invited to the re-opening of the restaurant.

Sweet 16 - vice-chairman of Basildon Council David Abrahall tucks into a Big Mac after opening the refurbished restaurant with help from Gen and Aylan Isikgun and youngsters Daryl Turner, Sean Hung, Marc Bowers and Jason Smith

Picture: MIKE BELLENIE

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.