The toast was to Sardinia at a special themed evening at Rosso Restaurant in Manchester city centre.

The event, hosted by the Sardinian Department of Tourism with support from specialist Italian tour operator Sardatur Holidays, celebrated all things Sardinian to mark the launch of a new direct flight service from Manchester Airport to Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, and Olbia.

Guests were treated to six courses of Sardinian flavours and music from Sardinian guitarist Mauro Palmas, who flew in especially for the occasion. Gianni Bonuglia, managing director of Sardatur Holidays, gave a presentation based on ten reasons to visit the island. Guests had the chance to win prizes including return flights to Sardinia and a break at Forte Village.