THE new owner of a hotel and restaurant has unveiled plans to get a Michelin Star.

David Todd gave up a high-paid job in sales and marketing to take over the Frenchgate Hotel, in Frenchgate, Richmond.

The Grade II Georgian building, in a quiet, cobbled street off the market place, has undergone extensive renovations since Mr Todd and wife, Luiza, moved up from Buckinghamshire in October.

The guest lounge, dining room and entrance lobby have undergone a complete overhaul and are now furnished with antiques and modern artwork from local artists.

Among the new additions are oak floorboards salvaged from Alan Shearer's house and a dining table that Mr Todd inherited from his grandmother.

"I looked at more than 200 businesses all over the UK, from Devon to Scotland - even in France - before settling on this one," said Mr Todd.

"What attracted me was the potential. Richmond has fabulous cobbled Georgian streets, it's surrounded by stunning countryside and the people are wonderfully friendly.

"There's also a very definite need in this town for a special restaurant 100 per cent focused on quality food.

"I don't have any experience in the catering business other than 25 years as a customer.

"I want to bring some of this experience to this beautiful town."

Despite the ongoing work, the front restaurant has continued to serve meals.

In the future, the owner intends to build a second dining room serving bistro-style food on the rear of the property.

A small room in the next door cottage, which Mr Todd also owns, will be converted into a third dining room, serving food that he hopes will attract the attentions of reviewers from the prestigious Michelin Guide