A LANDMARK statue of Queen Victoria has finally got her forefinger back.

The imperious monarch’s statue in Clifftown Parade, Southend, has pointed out over the estuary for decades but in recent years has been missing her vital digit after it was stolen. But it’s now back to the relief of the community.

John McIntyre, 67, of Clifftown Parade, said: “At last! I was so pleased to see she had her finger back. She is back pointing again with the authority we know and love!”

The statue was presented to Southend in 1897, by the then mayor, Bernard Wiltshire Tolhurst, to mark Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee.

She was originally stationed at the top of Pier Hill, where cheeky residents joked that it looked as if she was pointing towards the gents’ toilets. In 1962, she was moved to her present location in Clifftown Parade.

Anita Zdarzil of Alexandra Road, added: “We are so grateful for that statue. And we are so pleased the finger has been repaired too. We are incredibly proud of Clifftown Parade, the history of this area is very important to people here.”

Southend Council enlisted specialist firm Basildon Stone to transform the 119-year-old landmark from her previously weathered appearance in June last year as part of ongoing repair works. Scaffolding was put up around the statue before workmen used a super-heated low-pressure wash system and a heavy duty detergent to remove stubborn grease marks and ingrained grime.

Southend historian Ian Yearsley said: “The town has a lot of connections with Queen Victoria. That’s why we have Victoria Avenue, Victoria Station and there was even a Victoria Hospital at one point.

“It is a very iconic statue in Southend because it cements that connection we have with her reign and I’m pleased it has been restored.”