A PIZZA restaurant chain has opened a new branch to champion the classic Neapolitan pizza-making process and raise money for charity.

Franco Manca opened its new branch at Brighton Marina last week with enough room to cater for 80 people at a time and space for 14 covers on a terrace overlooking the marina.

Made from slow-rising sourdough and baked in a wood-burning oven at 500 degrees, the menu features a variety of locally sourced ingredients.

Sandro Spahiu, operations manager at Franco Manca, said: “We are very excited about the opening of our second pizzeria in Brighton.

“With the sea on our doorstep, the new location feels like the perfect spot for our new site.

“We welcome residents and visitors alike to come and sample a slice of Naples.”

The restaurant has donated £1 for every pizza sold between April 13 and 15 to Brighton-based charity Amaze, which offers support, information and advice to families of children with special educational needs or disabilities.

Rachel Travers, CEO of Amaze, said: “We are delighted that Franco Manca has chosen to support Amaze in this way.

“These donations will help us support more local families with disabled children to get the right information and support and build their resilience.”

The company expected to end the financial year in March this year with 33 restaurants in total across the country.

Ms Spahiu said: “We are a firm believer in giving back to the local community and Amaze and its efforts in supporting children and young people with special education needs, disabilities and their families.

“We are delighted to open our second pizzeria in Brighton and to have supported this cause in our first three days of opening.”

Franco Manca is offering a complimentary drink to guests who take with them a postcard featuring Brighton’s seaside until tomorrow.

Exchange your postcard for a glass of Tenute Normanno’s organic bianco or rosso (175ml), or any No Logo (330ml) or any other soft drink.

With prices starting from £4.95, guests can enjoy classic Italian flavours, including simple tomato, mozzarella and basil pizza.