THERE were celebrations at a Stourbridge shoe repair shop on Saturday (September 7) as a much-loved mechanical cobbler, who has been a firm favourite in the town since the 1970s, was returned to his rightful place in the window.

Bert, as the mechanical figure is known, had been missing from Riteway Shoe Repairs in Lower High Street for some months – having broken down in March.

Shop owner Jonathan Smith confirmed Bert has been away for repairs and told of joy that he has now been fixed and returned to his rightful place.

Bert the mechanical cobbler who has been a fixture at Riteway Shoe RepairsBert the mechanical cobbler who has been a fixture at Riteway Shoe Repairs (Image: Handout)

Many customers have been missing Bert, he said, who has been a fixture in the shop since 1975.

He said: “Most people around Stourbridge know of my shop mainly due to Bert - our cobbler man in the window.”

To celebrate his return, Jon staged a welcome back party – Happy Bert Day - at the shop on Saturday (September 7).

He said: “It was brilliant, we had a great turn out."

Jon Smith, right, with Gloria Tomkinson who originally purchased Bert for the shop in 1975 when she and her husband Mike used to run it.Jon Smith, right, with Gloria Tomkinson who originally purchased Bert for the shop in 1975 when she and her husband Mike used to run it. (Image: Handout)

The woman who originally purchased Bert for the shop back in the 70s, Gloria Tomkinson, also turned up to the event.

Jon said: “It was lovely to see Gloria, she got very emotional when she saw Bert. It must have been lovely for her to see him back to how he was when she bought him 48 years ago but also brought back some amazing memories she has for all those years she and Mike owned Riteway Shoe Repairs.”

Thanking all those who turned out for the celebratory event, he said on Facebook: “We really appreciate all the love and support everyone has for Bert.”