Restaurant staff are overjoyed after a stolen 5ft-tall penguin decoration was returned - personally by police officers.

Percy, a feature of Prezzo Italian in Stevenage, Herts., was snatched from the eatery on November 29 and loaded into the back of a van.

Two men were caught on CCTV carrying him away and Prezzo offered a £5k voucher reward for his safe return.

On Tuesday (Dec 2), a member of the public spotted Percy 'enjoying a quiet moment among the shrubs in a neighbours garden'.

Hertfordshire Police then returned the penguin to the restaurant - who was carried back by two cops.

Prezzo Italian's marketing director Naddy Onion said: "Everyone needs a Percy in their lives."

"We'd like to thank the police and, of course the local community - especially the passer by who clocked Percy for their help and support. "

"He says he's very glad to be home but looks forward to meeting you all."