A WIDNES Italian restaurant gave their customers an extra slice of Italian luck to see in 2015.

Pesto on Birchfield Road gave away hundreds of pairs of red underwear during their special new year’s eve event, in accordance with a ‘cheeky’ Italian tradition.

The Latin custom states that to give the gift of red underwear is to wish great fortune on the receiver for a rich and satisfying year ahead, so the Pesto team wanted to extend this festive goodwill to their customers.

General manager of Pesto Melanie Mooney said: “This traditional new year’s eve ritual is observed by Italians all around world so we wanted to have a bit of fun and bring a little piece of Italy to our customers.”

Staff joined in by wearing their own crimson undies in the hope of bringing in good luck.

Mel added: “Giving away these scarlet lucky tokens got a great response, with many customers even putting them on over their clothes during the event.

“Even our chefs made sure they were wearing their lucky red pants on the evening.”