A new Nando's was offically opened by a 75-year-old who spent his entire working life at the site.

Joe Higgins cut the tape at 11.30am this morning to offically open the the new restaurant in the former site of Browns of Loughton, in Station Road, which shut its doors in October last year.

He worked at the firm for nearly 60 years and set foot in a Nando’s branch for the first time today, where he was given a free meal by staff.

Mr Higgins said: "I was a little bit surprised to get the call from the company asking me to open the new restaurant but quite pleased about it.

"It was good fun to cut the tape, I didn't know what to expect but it was a pleasant experience and luckily I was not expected to make a speech.

"It was so strange seeing the place I worked at for so long change so much but I think they have done a pretty good job."

The restaurant features grills and outdoor furniture carrying images of car parts as a reminder of the building’s heritage.

Majestic Wine and Topps Tiles are also opening on the former site.