MIKE Horlock, the former owner and now manager of the White Rabbit restaurant in Westbury, strongly believes in supporting local businesses to ensure their survival throughout the difficult financial climate.

Mr Horlock, 47, owns Checkers Cafe in Westbury Mall and has returned to the helm at the White Rabbit in Edward Street, which closed in January after Mr Horlock’s wife, Peggy, 63, retired due to ill health.

The restaurant reopened on Easter Sunday after two local businessmen, Neil Brawn and Kevin McBain, took it over and gave the manager’s role to Mr Horlock.

The Horlocks live with their three dogs and three cats in The Down, Trowbridge. Mrs Horlock has five grown-up children from a previous relationship.

Why did you move to Wiltshire or why have you never moved away?

I moved to Wiltshire when I was 16. I moved from Newcastle with my mum when my dad died. She had relatives living down here.

You are king of Wiltshire for the day. What would be the first law you'd change or introduce?

I would reduce all VAT for small businesses, which would increase the cashflow.

What is the best Wiltshire view?

The Westbury White Horse. We take our dogs up there for a run sometimes. It gives you a full panoramic view of Westbury and the surrounding areas.

When you have visitors from out of the county, where do you take them?

Longleat would be the obvious one. I have been there a couple of times; that’s very nice. Shearwater is lovely too and then you have Bradford on Avon and nice walks along the canals. There are some nice little tea places to go to there.

What’s your favourite restaurant? Why?

I like restaurants that produce home-cooked food because I am a bit of a traditionalist. The Royal Oak in Hawkeridge is very good and I like the Beijing Palace in Trowbridge. They have quite a good selection there.

What is your favourite pub? Why?

I don’t drink but saying that the Tollgate Inn in Holt is nice with pleasant surroundings. The Garden House Hotel in Westbury has a good ambience. It’s very friendly and if you want a nice evening out that does it all really.

What is your favourite shop? Why?

I like the Chantry (Chantry Television Ltd) in Westbury because you get a personal service. The card shop in the High Street is very good too. I prefer to shop locally if I can because it is good to support Westbury and keep it ticking over.

Which local sports team do you follow?

I like to watch snooker and darts and I like big events like the Olympics, but otherwise I’m not a fan of sport.

What do you do for fun?

I like to spend time at home and doing the garden. I don’t get much time off so it’s nice just to relax.

Describe your house and garden. What do you love about them?

I like the house because it is a cottage but it is a lot bigger on the inside then it looks on the outside and it’s open plan. The garden is nice because we have decking and can sit out in the summer. It is a peaceful place as it is closed at the rear so it is very private and quiet.