PIETRO Addis opened the first Italian restaurant in Brighton and for almost 30 years, he was at the helm of some of the city's best-loved restaurants.

The Italian restaurateur and father-of-three died on Tuesday at the age of 83.

These pictures show him in his element – fundraising and enjoying himself with some of the country’s best-known faces.

The Argus: L-R: Stefano Addis of Donatello, Seb Carole player, Pietro Addis of Donatello, Indigo Calderon player and Gus Poyet, mangerL-R: Stefano Addis of Donatello, Seb Carole player, Pietro Addis of Donatello, Indigo Calderon player and Gus Poyet, manger

Born in 1939 on the island of Sardinia, Petro moved to the UK in his early twenties and spent 13 years working at the Italian Embassy in London, promoting his country's food and wine.

He moved to Brighton in 1967 and opened several restaurants including Donatello’s Italian restaurant in The Lanes and the Pinocchio restaurant in New Road.

In 2004, he handed over the running to his former wife Sue and his three sons – Leonardo, Stefano and Mikele.

The Argus: Pietro Addis (CNTR) with chef Giluca Albertolo and manager Vittorio Fioravanti in February 1991Pietro Addis (CNTR) with chef Giluca Albertolo and manager Vittorio Fioravanti in February 1991

Donatello had a number of famous regulars, including Katie Price, Eastenders actor Michelle Collis, lyricist Tim Rice, Julie Walters and Joanna Lumley.

Pietro’s son Mikele says his son’s proudest moment as a restaurateur came when former Prime Minister Tony Blair visited Donatello during the Labour party conference, with his wife Cherie.

He was known as a prominent fundraiser, including for The Argus Appeal, and his businesses supported numerous charities and public events.

The Argus: Pietro Addis recieves a huge thank you hug from Argus Appeal co-ordinator Elsa Gillio after he had presented a cheque for £40000 made out of pizza Pietro Addis recieves a huge thank you hug from Argus Appeal co-ordinator Elsa Gillio after he had presented a cheque for £40000 made out of pizza

After announcing his retirement, Pietro donated a massive £40,000 to the Argus Appeal.

Elsa Gillio, who ran the Argus Appeal, said: “Pietro and the family were huge supporters of The Argus Appeal and he and Sue once gave £40,000. I had to work really hard for the money and they kept an eye on it every step of the way. He had a strong eye for detail.

“He will be remembered by many as one of the city’s most colourful characters.”

The Argus: Sue and Pietro Addis with EastEnders star Michelle CollinsSue and Pietro Addis with EastEnders star Michelle Collins

Mikele said his dad was always a "giving and generous" character.

He told the Argus: "He was a strong believer in if you’re doing well in life, it’s all about karma and giving back. He did do a lot for charity – as much as he could.

“I remember as a kid walking around, if he saw someone homeless, he would always put his hand in his pocket and help them. He was a very giving person.

A funeral for Pietro is to be held at The Downs Crematorium on Friday, March 25 at 4pm.