PIZZA lovers did not have to part with their dough when they celebrated a special birthday on Saturday.

Papa Johns, in Victoria Road, gave free pizzas to their first 50 customers to mark the 10th anniversary of the fast food chain.

Mayor Rex Barnett and his wife Sandra tried their hand at making their own before presenting a commemorative plaque to the store. David Daryan, franchisee, has been with the company for eight years and used to run the Cavendish Square store before they moved to the new outlet six months ago.

“I have got good customers, good staff and I talk to a lot of people on the phone,” he said.

“Today is all about celebrating Papa John’s 10th anniversary. By giving away free pizzas people can come in and enjoy our pizzas so they know the standard. It’s all about better ingredients and better pizza.”

Coun Barnett got creative with pizza toppings to mark the occasion and Sandra, who said they both enjoy eating pizzas, served up a pepperoni special.

Michelle Morse, an accountant, of Rodbourne, was the first customer to pick up a free lunch when she arrived just after 12pm with her friend, Sarah Bradley-Smith.

Michelle said: “It’s good to get a freebie. We planned to come here especially because I got an email and we thought ‘let’s go and get it’.”