A MUCH-LOVED Northwich character is gleaming with pride after an off-the-scale facelift.

Three decades of adventures had taken their toll on Derek, the fibreglass fisherman who stands outside Dilworths fishmonger, in Leicester Street, proudly brandishing a cod.

But the bearded model, who brightens up the street in his yellow sou'wester and coat, looks as good as new after a refurbishment.

John Moore, from the shop, said: "Derek is well known within the community, he's a personality - he's been standing outside for 30 years.

"His cod was hanging off after years of children hanging off it and he's been up and down the precinct a few times on his stomach and has been blown away.

"But he's returned to us now after a two-week holiday completely refreshed - he looks absolutely stunning."