HE has one of the most recognisable voices in showbusiness and you will soon be able to hear him invite you to a new restaurant opening in the town centre.

Actor Brian Blessed will lend his booming baritone to a radio advertising campaign for The Smokehouse, a Louisiana/Texan themed restaurant and wine bar due to open for business on Saturday, November 7 on Bridge Street, St Helens.

It is the brainchild of entrepreneur Chris Howell, originally from Thatto Heath, who has ensured a solid St Helens spine runs through the business, from his new staff to food and drink suppliers.

The 25-year-old has recruited 77 people across a variety of roles for the £500,000 restaurant which is being created within empty retail space on the site of the former Savoy cinema.

He explained: "They all have a St Helens postcode and came through the Job Centre in St Helens. My drinks supplier is from St Helens and the food produce is from Cooks in Rainford. A lot of people slate the town about the lack of opportunity and inward investment but it's massively important how great St Helens was and can be in the future.

"We are not talking about a small town here. People are very passionate about St Helens and you can see it with people getting behind Kiera (on the X Factor) and Martin Murray. I want people to feel proud of St Helens.

"I had the opportunity to open up first in Hale but I chose here because I'm a local lad and if you are over 21 and in a relationship there is pretty much next to nothing to do. But we will have wine tasting and comedy nights."

Chris said veteran actor Brian Blessed will soon be recording a series of adverts once his scripts have been finalised.