Cheers! Restaurant owner Tony Tomassi took time to celebrate today after scooping Southend's top accolade.

Tony, 74, was cock-a-hoop after Southend Council awarded him a Millennium Freedom of the Borough title.

Nineteen others - including two people who recently died - will also receive the prestigious title to mark the turn of the century.

Tony took over the Tomassi's Restaurant - the oldest family business in Southend High Street - from his father just after the Second World War.

Father-of-three and grandfather-of-eight Mr Tomassi said: "I am honoured. The family is honoured. I was astounded about this. The first thing I said to my wife was 'why?'

"I was quite amazed. I just didn't know about it. But after that I was delighted."

Southend Council leader, David Elf, said the millennium roll of honour was designed to mark outstanding contribution to the town.

He added: "These awards are the highest accolade that can be awarded by the council. They are extremely well-deserved and reflect the excellent work being done."

Approval of the town's full council will be needed before a lavish awards ceremony in July.

Time to celebrate - restaurant owner Tony Tomassi is one of 20 who will receive the Millennium Freedom of the Borough award

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

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