Captain Mainwaring Dad's Army statue vandalised in Thetford

Thetford's life-like Captain Mainwaring bronze cast has had its glasses bent inwards and will now have to be repaired.

This is the third time in recent years the statue has been vandalised, leaving staff at the town's Dad's Army Museum "frustrated and disappointed."

Dad's Army actor Bill Pertwee alongside the Captain Mainwaring statue at its unveiling in 2010 (Image: Newsquest)

Chris Holden, duty manager, said: "One of our managers spotted the damage earlier this week.

"It is frustrating and disappointing this has happened but we will fix it and get it sorted.

"The statue is a big draw for visitors to the town and museum - it is a real shame."

The statue to Captain Mainwaring was erected in 2010 and is seated on a bench by the Old Anchor Hotel in Thetford.

Played by Arthur Lowe in the long-running BBC show, the character is known for a number of memorable lines but especially his regular retort to Private Pike - "You stupid boy!"

Much of the series was filmed in and around Thetford, with the town becoming a destination for lovers of the programme.

The Captain Mainwaring statue in Thetford. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Holden added: "We have reported the incident to police and are hoping to look to see if anything has been captured on CCTV.

"The glasses are made out of bronze so will take a bit of time to replace but we will get it sorted as soon as possible."

The incident is a blow for the Dad's Army Museum, which is gearing up to open for the first time this year on March 11.

"We have our grand opening coming up and have spent lots of time getting ready with new displays over the winter.

"Lots of people who visit the museum will then go to see the statue after so it is bad timing."

Norfolk Constabulary confirmed the incident has been reported to them and they are investigating the crime.