A PUB mascot who went on a round-the-world tour for a year after being "kidnapped" is coming home.

A party is being planned at the Three Tuns in Sadberge, near Darlington, to celebrate the imminent arrival of Bertie O'Murphy, the 2ft-high singing leprechaun.

The mascot was kidnapped from his place next to the pub's cigarette machine on St Patrick's Day last year.

Following his disappearance, landlords Sean and Marie Kelly were sent a series of ransom demands and postcards from all over the world.

However, they have now been assured the globetrotting leprechaun will be returned on St Patrick's Day on March 17.

Mr Kenny said: "We've had postcards from all over the world - Ireland, Holland, India.

"We're not sure who's taken him. We do have a lot of bikers who come in here, and that would explain how he's managed to travel so far and wide.

"We won't know the full story until he gets back.

"The regulars have all got into the swing of things and have all bought leprechaun costumes for when he gets back, so it should be a good night."

When Bertie originally went missing, Mr and Mrs Kenny even considered going to Ireland to bring him back.

Mrs Kenny said: "It will be nice to see him back."