Many of Hive Beach Café's regulars have noticed that long-standing team member and customer favourite, Jean Gurd, has been missing from the café over the past few months.

Customers have often been asking, 'where is she?', 'when is she coming back?' and even, 'is she coming back?'

Well, the good news is, that after four months away, Jean is back!

With her feet barely over the threshold, she was given a warn Hive welcome by all the team, who have missed her as much as the customers have.

"I'm very pleased to be back," said Jean, who has been taking care of her husband who hasn't been well. She's back for four days a week, four hours each time.

"It really all depends how my husband is feeling, but I prepare everything for him before I come here, so he's okay.

"I've missed this place. I love this place. I love talking to people, an all have been asking, 'where's Jean?' every time.

"On my first day back, two customers said they were so happy to see me, and that I was the only one they know as everyone else is new."

Senior supervisor Jean has been part of The Hive for 15 and a half years, and helps run a tight ship, assisting operations manager Andrew Hartley, including running the shop, helping team leaders train new staff, greeting and speaking with customers, running the shop and more.

"They ask me everything," laughs Jean, "'where is this?' 'where is that?' how to use the dishwasher, if the clocking in card is wrong, they ask me how to fix it - everything."

She also noted that the shop wasn't quite as tidy as she liked, so in true Jean style, added: "So, I've fixed it, and have reordered stuff."

It's safe to say that with her big welcome back, there's a feeling of everything'll be alright now Jean is here.

She said: "You know I did cry when I came back last week. I love it here and that customers have been asking for me. I love the sea, the customers and the staff - they are all like family, friends."

Hive owner and director, Steve Attrill, said: "Jean has been part of our family for over 15 years, and stuck with us through thick and thin.

"She's a great inspiration to the Hive team, and is always up for any challenge. Her smile, personality and enthusiasm make it a pleasure to have her as part of our family team."