AS anniversaries go this was a strange one. People passing through Bedford Square on Tuesday morning saw the Duke of Bedford in a new light.

The usually dignified statue of the town's famous benefactor was wearing a white toilet seat tilted jauntily on his head.

Underneath was a cryptic message 'from CIJ5BOB5J', and on the rim 'Happy 3Oth anniversary'.

An anonymous note to the Times drew our attention to a back issue dated August 13, 1971.

On the front page was the headline 'Vandals Crown the Duke'. The story went: 'People going to work on Monday morning saw a toilet seat draped around the neck of the Duke of Bedford's Statue in Bedford Square . . .' and went on to list other items of petty vandalism committed during the weekend.

The only thing is . . . that was 31 years ago. Not 30. Curiouser and curiouser.

The latest offending item was rapidly removed by a couple of council employees and the Duke's dignity once again restored.