Pranksters in Finchley helped preserve the modesty of an iconic landmark this week.

The banter was prompted when a bra was fitted to the statue "La Delivrance", or "The Naked Lady" as it is fondly known, which stands at Henley's Corner, at the bottom of Regents Park Road.

The 16-foot bronze statue, which was unveiled in 1927 in front of 8,000 residents, was drawing a lot of attention for her lack of exposure.

Margaret Kirby, 61, of Benedict Way, spotted the out-of-place undergarment whilst travelling on a bus.

"I was looking out of the window when I happened to see the statue, and we all started laughing about it on the bus," she said.

"I thought it was quite funny, but it is a bit of a shame and should have been left as it was.

"I hope it doesn't stay like that, because that's the whole idea of the naked lady, that she is naked."

Secretary of the Finchley Society, Robert Winton, said the statue is a symbol of East Finchley, and was disappointed that it had been tampered with.

"I just think it is a rather unnecessary prank, but I'm sure whoever did it had great fun," he added.

"It has become an important part of our history and is in a very visible position.

"I think older people may see it as rather silly but the youngsters will probably think it was a good prank to pull."