HE defended the country against Viking conquests and now King Alfred is being pampered with a wash and wax.

The bronze statue is getting a once ina decade scrub and polish with a new layer of protective wax.

Work was due to start on June 15 but was held back until last weekend.

Now the scaffolding is up around the five-metre statue and the strong scent of polish can be smelt in The Broadway.

Laurence Flood of Bronze Restorations Ltd is completing the £4,425 project, funded by Winchester City Council.

Portfolio holder for estates, Cllr Steve Miller, said it is important the landmark is kept in top condition.

"This new coat of wax will restore the statue’s burnished bronze appearance and help to protect this city icon against everything the weather can throw at it for the next few years," he said.

Sculptor Hamo Thornycroft created the statue in 1900 to mark the 1,000th anniversary of Alfred's death. It was unveiled in 1901 and the £5,000 cost was funded by public subscriptions.

Work is expected to take two weeks.

Despite the Chronicle's best efforts, the workmen at the top of the stone plinth couldn't hear us asking to discuss how it is progressing.