A NEW pizza restaurant is opening and will give out 1,000 pizzas over five days to celebrate its launch.

On June 15 Franco Manca will open on the banks of the River Kennet in The Oracle.

Between the 15th and 19th free pizzas will be given to the first 100 customers through the doors at midday and then 6pm.

Bruno Leal, Openings Manager at Franco Manca, said: “With the River Kennet on its doorstep, the new pizzeria is the perfect spot to enjoy a sourdough pizza before a day out shopping.

"We can’t wait to meet the locals and visitors alike with 1,000 pizzas to giveaway.”

The restaurant specialises in the classic Neapolitan pizza-making process using slow-rising sour dough.

Its new outlet will seat 80 inside and a further 60 alfresco.

Customers can choose any pizza on the menu, are limited to one pizza each and must dine in. 

It was announced in March this year by Ankor Property, the development company which bought Jackson's Corner, that the former department store would house Franco Manca. 

The Chronicle has been unable to contact Ankor to ask if that is still the case and if not, what will fill the vacant premise in its place.