An east Twickenham father has a beef with Hanworth's Dairy Crest factory after launching a campaign for its rooftop cows to be restored.

For almost 40 years, the fibre glass cows have grazed and stood static on the roof of the building, visible from the A316.

But Joachim Jellinek was outraged to discover, last week, that the landmark cattle had been removed because of health and safety fears.

Father-of-four Mr Jellinek was alerted to the cows' disappearance thanks to his son, Cosmo, who was saddened by the loss.

His petition has already gathered more than 6,500 signatures, with a host of campaigners expressing their wish for the cows to come home.

He said: "For the past 37 years the cows have been a useful road marker and a talking point for local children and adults on their journeys.

"In addition, the road is used by many national and international travellers on their way into Twickenham to see rugby matches and beyond into London.

"Dairy Crest has stated that the cows have become worn and their fixings dangerous and have removed the cows citing health and safety concerns.

"They have also said they can make no promises that they will restore or replace the cows."

The cows first appeared on the rooftop when the site was owned by Job's Dairy.

To join the fight to bring the cows back to their rightful home, visit missingcows.org.