Kissing couple mural returns to city pub

Pete McKee has repainted his mural on Fagan's pub in Broad Lane, Sheffield

A much-loved mural has reappeared on a pub wall after being removed for building work.

Pete McKee's The Snog has become part of the landscape for residents and tourists since it was first painted on Fagan's pub in Broad Lane, Sheffield, in 2013.

The larger-than-life image of an elderly couple embraced in a kiss disappeared at the end of April but was repainted by Mr McKee on Monday.

Fans of the mural said they were glad to see it back where it belonged.

Resident Baher said he had feared the mural of Frank and Joy, which is a popular spot for couples to pose for photographs, was gone for good.

"We'd been worried that it would be wiped from here but then it came back in the same scale," the 50-year-old told the BBC.

"It is part of the identity of this road, I think many people come here to take a picture. It's great that it's here."

Pete Wood, who lives in Kelham Island, saw the repainted mural for the first time on Tuesday morning.

While it is almost identical to the earlier version, a few subtle changes have snuck in such as the colour of Joy's coat, which used to be brown and is now purple.

"It seems like it's been there forever," Mr Wood said.

'Everybody missed it'

"It's lovely, really nice. I think everybody missed it when it was gone even though it was only gone for a couple of weeks."

Mr McKee, who is known for his colourful depictions of everyday life in South Yorkshire, announced his famous couple were "back" on Monday afternoon.

He said repainting them had only taken a day but the wet weather last week meant he had to do it twice as it got rained off the first time.

"It was great to get the opportunity to repaint The Snog," Mr McKee said.

"After gracing the wall of Fagan's for the past 11 years, they were really starting to look their age so a revamp was definitely in order."

He added: "I took the opportunity to give Joy a new hairdo and get her a new coat.

"The mural looks lovely and vibrant now and is set for the next 20 years - and more, hopefully."

Kieran Byfield, who has been living in Sheffield for two years, was keen to come to the city centre to see the new mural for himself.

"It's just nice to look at," said Mr Byfield, 58.

"It's a very well known local landmark and even people who are not from Sheffield are aware of it."