THE nation's favourite fireman was surrounded by more than 200 adoring fans when he opened a new fast food drive-through yesterday.

Big Brother runner-up Jonny Regan signed posters and puckered up for the camera before unveiling the McDonald's drive-through at Thinford, near Spennymoor, County Durham.

Jonny said: "It is really nice that so many people are still supporting me, especially as this opening was only confirmed two days ago and they only heard about it yesterday."

The 29-year-old, from Trimdon Station, County Durham, was runner-up in the hugely popular Channel 4 show and has a big fan base in the region.

Kirsty Ovington, 28, and children Brooke, three, and Ross, nine months, were among the first to arrive at the restaurant yesterday morning to wait for their hero.

They were joined by friends Penny Robinson, 34, children Jade and Willis White, five, and 12 year-old nephew Jed Riddell, all from Spennymoor.

Kirsty said: "We all loved watching Jonny on the show and are really proud to know he lives so close, I felt giddy when I met him."

"He's really cool, he was dead funny and everyone round here loves him," added Jed.

Jayne Jackson, among a group from the Portland Day Care Centre, Willington, said: "It has been a really nice day out, clients at the centre supported Jonny throughout Big Brother so are thrilled to meet him. He took time out of signing autographs to meet the group which was really kind and made them feel special."