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.

Onlookers crowded round to take photos, coming up with theories as to how the flowers got up so high.

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.

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.”