RESTAURATEUR Gary Usher has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £50,000 in 24 hours to open a new venue on Prescot high street.

The venue, on Eccleston Street, will be a bistro-style restaurant called Pinion and will join Usher’s portfolio of venues, which includes Wreckfish in Liverpool, Hispi in Didsbury, Sticky Walnut in Chester and Burnt Truffle in Heswall on the Wirral.

He will be launching the kickstarter campaign at 7pm on Wednesday, May 30 to secure the funds.

In May 2017, Gary broke crowdfunding records by raising more than £200,000 for his fourth restaurant, Wreckfish, in Liverpool.

This is the most money ever raised for a restaurant crowdfunding campaign in the UK, and was supported by 1,522 backers - and led to him being named by The Caterer as one of the Top 100 most influential people in the industry.

He hopes to do the same again and add to the regeneration of the area.

Gary said: “Prescot has an incredible sense of community with some amazing people who are so proud of where they come from.

"It’s been through some hard times but with plans to regenerate the area, myself and the team are hoping to bring a really great little bistro to Prescot and be part of something bigger than just a business.

"Why 24 hours? It seems crazy, but because the building is completely empty, we really need to get going so it’s open for the summer.

“We’ve also totally changed how we’re approaching this Kickstarter campaign.

"I think there should be complete transparency in crowdfunding, which is why we’ll be offering monetary pledges this time around, instead of meal vouchers.

"It means that your £50 pledge, will be exactly 50 quid in the restaurant.

"We’re also making sure everyone gets their vouchers in less than a week, just like any normal voucher purchase.”

Pinion will serve freshly baked bread and humble, bistro dishes, such as a beef braise with truffle and parmesan chips and a classic tart for dessert.

More details are yet to be announced.