A MUM who, aged nine, wrote to Ronald McDonald asking him to open a restaurant in Colchester returned 31 years later – as its guest of honour after a £1million refurbishment.

Fast food fan Alex Lee, 41, fell in love with the chain’s famous burgers, chicken nuggets and fries when she was treated to them by her grandparents in east London.

But it was after writing to Ronald, the face of the worldwide brand, he confirmed the Colchester High Street branch would open in 1984.

Mrs Lee, who grew up in Colchester and lives with husband, Grant, and three children in Fernlea, said: "When I was nine, we would go to my grandparents lived in east London and McDonald’s was a treat for us.

“For me, it was associated with nice memories of visiting my grandparents. I would pester my parents and say when was a branch opening in Colchester?”

So Alex, whose surname at the time was Plummer, wrote to the red-haired clown himself and received a reply.

It confirmed the news Alex had hoped for and more– that she was invited to the opening with a guest.

Joined by her brother Jon, eight, Alex’s big day came and although Ronald wasn’t available to meet them, the siblings had a tour of the restaurant and tucked into burgers, fries and milkshakes.

Their visit even resulted in a photograph and article in the Gazette, with the restaurant’s then-manager, Martin Holloway.

Mrs Lee, who attended St Mary's School which was in Priory Street at the time, said: “For a nine-year-old, it was fantastic to see what it was like behind the scenes.”

Mrs Lee has remained a loyal customer since, typically visiting once or twice a month for a treat with children Isabelle, nine, Jacob, six, and Oliver, four. Her “go to” meal is the burger. She added: “I like the consistency about McDonald’s. For me, when I was growing up, it was always a treat for good behaviour or after we had been out.”

Alex took her children to Colchester’s McDonald’s yesterday to see it after its refurbishment –the biggest the chain has made in Colchester.

Former manager Mr Holloway also attended.

The restaurant is run by franchisee Craig Newnes, who also operates its branches in Cowdray Avenue, Tollgate and Cuckoo Farm, Colchester.