TWO hundred free pizzas will be given away when Domino’s opens a takeaway in Benfleet.

The pizza giant will launch its newest shop at London Road, in Tarpots, on Saturday afternoon.

Around 25 jobs have been created at the site, formerly Perfect Pizza.

There will be free pizza for the first 200 customers, goodie bags and pizzamaking workshops.

Franchisee Nij Madlani will also present a cheque for £7,000 to Teenage Cancer Trust after fundraising at his eight other outlets, including Domino’s in Hadleigh and Rayleigh.

Mr Madlani said: “The Benfleet site is lovely, in a good location. With our store in Hadleigh we already have customers in Benfleet and Thundersley, but because of the drive it was difficult to get to them quickly. They will be delighted because we will now get to them much quicker.

“I am honoured that representatives from the Teenage Cancer Trust can join us. I would like to say a huge thank you to our customers for their donations and making such a difference to the lives of young people affected by the illness.”

The takeaway will be the fifth in Tarpots, which has a KFC, Wimpy, a Chinese takeaway and a fish and chip shop.

Bill Dick, councillor for St Peter’s ward, said he would rather have an independent business in Tarpots than another fast food place. He said: “We need a bit of variety. We’ve got two coffee shops in Thundersley Village and they add to the area.

“People come by for coffee and cake and stop, rather than driving straight through.

“Castle Point still has a problem with obesity. If we are trying to cut obesity another takeaway is not a way of helping people.

“I would rather see an independent business, such as a tearoom, rather than fast food, which is increasing people’s sizes.”