A FORMER cricketer hopes to hit the competition for six after taking on a restaurant business.

Nick Peng-Gillender, who previously played for Durham County Cricket Club, is the new owner of Sale Pepe in Jesmond, Newcastle.

Mr Peng-Gillender, 30, has taken on the business with mother, Susan, and the pair have already carried out a full refurbishment on the restaurant.

The duo hail from a family of restauranteurs, with Susan's father opening the first Chinese restaurant, The Marlborough, in Newcastle.

Mr Peng-Gillender, who was Durham's Young Player of the Year in 2001 and captained England Under-19s, said: “Sale Pepe is something of an institution in Jesmond, and I have enjoyed countless evenings here with friends and family.

“This is a very special venue, and I look forward to having many more great times here as owner.”

Law firm Sintons helped the Gillenders with the deal and carried out legal work on its sale.

Christopher Welch, Sintons' partner in the company and commercial department, said: “I have worked with Nick and his family for more than two decades and we are confident that under Nick and Susan's leadership, it will continue to thrive.”