A DORSET restaurant owner said his faith in human nature has been restored after kind customers paid to restore their mascot.

Steaky, the dinosaur mascot for the Steakasaurus restaurant in Wareham, was vandalised on New Year's Day, as reported in the Dorset Echo.

Restaurant owner JJ Jarvis said: "Due to a very kind donation Steaky has now been fully restored and is back in Steakasaurus. "We are not sure yet whether he will regain his rightful place outside but at the moment he is happier sheltering from the cold.

"We have had some lovely comments in relation to Steaky's return and it does restore some faith in human nature."

He added that the restoration coincided with the restaurant celebrating as it served its 15,000 customers.

Mr Jarvis said: "That isn't bad in less than four years."

Steaky is a familiar face in Wareham, where he has helped raise thousands of pounds for charity.

He is usually found outside the restaurant in North Street, where passers-by are encouraged to take a 'Steaky selfie' and donate money to the Poppy Appeal.

The initiative is so popular it has raised more than £4,000.

He has also been used in fundraising projects for the Kingfisher Ward at Dorset County Hospital.