The Roman Oasis returns

Englishman Paul Hickling, 74, who first opened the restaurant in 1983 after visiting the Roman Baths in Sabinillas, told SUR in English: "I've come out of retirement for two very worthy charity nights."

The closure of the restaurant, which in recent years only opened during July and August, was announced in May.

"My wife Kaat suggested we do a couple of events for charity as it would be a nice thing to do.

"We are hoping for a full house and to raise a lot of money.

"We've now got to decorate, paint and get everything set up as if we were opening for the summer again.

"But after these two events that will definitely be it, 36 years is long enough," he joked.

Paul added that donated items are still needed for a 'Wheel of Fortune' and they can be dropped off at Miel restaurant in Sabinillas, owned by his wife Kaat Buelens.

The first fundraiser will be held on Friday 30 August at 8pm for Cudeca, while the AGDM event will be held on Monday 9 September from 8pm.

Both events cost 50 euros per person and will include drinks, dinner and live music.

Paul, who wrote a book about running the restaurant and was friends with the late English chef Keith Floyd, a regular at the eatery, added: "Book quickly, we will definitely be full both nights."

The AGDM helps to look after the street cats of Manilva and the money raised will help feed and care for the local cats that are rescued.

The Cudeca Cancer Hospice is based in Benalmádena and was founded in 1992 by British expat Joan Hunt MBE.

The hospice, which has been operating on the Costa del Sol since 1991, helps take care of terminally ill patients and their families.

For more information on the charities, visit www.facebook.com/gatosdemanilva or www.cudeca.org.

For tickets to the events email Paul at romanoasis@outlook.com