Prankster places giant Walnut Whip on Queen Victoria statue

The bronze statue was first erected in Warrior Square, in St. Leonards-on-Sea, Hastings, East Sussex, back in 1902.

Jokers have been known to place traffic cones on top, but one local artist has decided to take it a step further for its latest makeover.

The artist known as DLR placed a polystyrene Walnut Whip on the beloved statue on Saturday morning, May 23, much to the amusement of local residents.

Speaking to Talk to the Press, DLR said: "I was given two Walnut Whips by a friend who does scenery for TV and film 14 years ago.

"They were going to go in a dumpster so he turned up to my house and asked if I wanted them, so I said yeah.

"We actually did the same thing 13 years ago, I've been thinking of doing it again for ages, and I just wanted to get rid of it actually.

"She usually has traffic cones on her head so I thought we could go one step further and put a walnut whip on her head.

"It was such a lovely day yesterday watching people's reactions, I stood around watching and people were just smiling and taking photos."

Local photographer JJ Waller said: "What a simple fun idea that has caused lots of laughter from locals and tourists over the bank holiday weekend.

"The town is full of surprises and a walnut whip on the statue fits very well with the quirky and inspirational goings on I have been photographing for the past 18 years.

"Queen Victoria herself might well have been very amused at this original escapade that goes beyond the proverbial traffic cone hat she has worn many times before."