Venue brought to life by Frank

A coffee house along a quiet Shropshire lane is not usually a hotbed for slapstick comedy. But customers visiting tea rooms in Claverley are being served up something extra special – in the form of the iconic Frank Spencer.

The black beret and trench coat-wearing character from the comedy series Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em is a regular feature at Poplar Cottage tea rooms, Danford.

The accident-prone Spencer is brought to life by John McSherry, 57, who owns the venue with his wife Michelle.

"I make people happy and that's a nice feeling for me to have," he said.

"They come here specifically to meet Frank and lots of people even request him when they are booking their parties here."

A former entertainment manager at Pontins holiday parks, John admits he loves putting on a show for people.

"I was with Pontins for eight years and put on all the shows at several of the parks," he said. "I'd do anything from a bit of Frank Spencer to an angry old man with a walking stick shouting at people. I've always enjoyed entertaining people."

Michelle even describes herself as "the new Betty", Frank's long suffering wife on the show, getting into character herself every now and then.

"I go along with it sometimes and get into character," she said. "It's all just a bit of a giggle."

John and Michelle met 20 years ago and have two sons, Daniel, 15, and Dominic, 11, who Michelle admitted were not too keen on their father's one man act.

"Daniel gets embarrassed when his dad comes out all dressed up," he said. "I'm sure they'll appreciate it when they get older."