The Walkford pub asks for 'Queen' to be returned after customer kidnaps life-sized cutout

A LIGHT-FINGERED drinker has been asked to return a life-sized cardboard cutout of the Queen taken from a pub in Walkford.

The customer was caught on CCTV tucking Her Majesty under his arm as he strolled out the front door before making his getaway in a waiting car.

Nicky Humphrys, manager of the Walkford pub, is now appealing for the man to return his royal hostage, saying: “She was the centrepiece of our platinum jubilee celebrations and now there is just an empty space.

“She looked so lovely and customers really liked having her here.”

Nicky said the man who took the Queen had been having a “couple of drinks” with a friend at the bar on Monday lunchtime.

One went to the toilet before apparently going to the pub car park and waiting in his vehicle near the front door.

Nicky said: “It seemed pre-planned because as soon as the customer saw his friend was outside the door in his car, he strolled towards the door then simply picked the Queen up and ran off with her.

“He jumped in the car and they drove off. First of all we thought it might be just a prank but unfortunately Her Majesty has not returned yet.”

The pub, which posted an appeal on social media for their Queen to be given back, is hoping that she will be returned in time for their upcoming platinum jubilee celebrations which started with a quiz yesterday on Thursday.