HE defended the country against Viking conquests, but it seems nowadays King Alfred enjoys the quieter life with a spot of gardening.

Over the weekend a hanging basket mysteriously appeared atop the Saxon king’s statue, in The Broadway, Winchester.

Mike Daniel, 55, a painter, of Thurmond Crescent, Stanmore, believes the prankster used his ladder from nearby scaffolding to complete the arrangement, almost 30ft off the ground.

Hampshire Chronicle:

He said: “I think it is hilarious. I don’t know how the council are going to get it down though.”

The statue’s own Twitter account got in on the act. ‘King Alf’ said on the networking site: “Ehm... anyone? I am a statue NOT a planter!!”

A city council spokesman said: “I don’t know exactly when, but it will be removed by a local tree contractor.”