A MANNEQUIN which caused a stir in Kendal has been replaced in the flesh by a business owner – and he’s cuddling anyone who feels the need.

The dummy known as Rambo Lunch Man, had to be removed from Branthwaite Brow on the orders of Capita Symonds.

The firm, who manage the streets for Cumbria County Council, said Rambo had to go because he was attached to ‘street furniture’ – a lamp post.

But he made his return when Christian Hoyle, owner of sandwich shop Lunch, dressed up as the popular figure to greet customers and offer free hugs.

Rambo had featured in The Westmorland Gazette and Christian said: “The feedback from the story has been crazy - some good and some bad.

"We’ve had a lot of positive comments but some negative ones and it’s all welcome.

“I’ll be dressing up as Rambo every now and then Rambo to make appearances through the town.

“I will take photos of him and put them on the Rambo Facebook site, so people can guess where he is.

"I’m also hoping to get him on a float for next year’s Kendal Torchlight Procession.”