A POPULAR fixture of a restaurant has been reinstated into his rightful position.

The figure known as Mr Johnson has been serving The Bistro in Penarth for around 35 years.

The popular figure is usually found standing at the entrance, welcoming guests day after day, but he has recently undergone a makeover thanks to his creator and her film set builder husband.

Cheryl Day bought the restaurant from Cathy Evans in April 2002 and inherited Mr Johnson who was already on daily duty.

When she took her car to a garage in Sully she discovered that its owner's sister had made Mr Johnson as a gift for the then owner of The Bistro.

Cheryl said: "I explained that Mr Johnson was not ageing well as we had hoped and Matt said he was sure his sister, Michelle Harries, would love to refurbish him back to his former glory."

Matt duly took him away and Michelle, with the help of her husband who is currently designing sets for Doctor Who, brought him back to his handsome self.

Cheryl said: "Lots of people have been asking where he has gone as he was such a well known sight in the town. We are happy he's back where he belongs."