The unveiling of Dame Agatha Christie’s statue is set to deliver a “massive boost to the local economy” and will put Wallingford on the map, councillors and a business owner have said.

Agatha Christie lived in Wallingford for 42 years from 1934 to 1976 and pubs, restaurants and the Wallingford Museum are preparing for an action-packed weekend, which kicks off this coming Saturday, September 9.

The bronze casted and clay modelled statue of the acclaimed novelist will be officially unveiled at noon, with the ‘Queen of Crime’ set to be permanently based on a bench in front of the museum and overlooking the Kinecroft Park.

With a packed programme of events scheduled for the weekend, including murder mystery films at the open-air cinema in Walingford’s historic Castle Gardens and guided walking tours, councillors are confident the statue will deliver a “boost” to the economy and inspire tourists to visit for a long time to come.

Councillor Steve Beatty, who secured the funds from an arts grant after spearheading the project for five years, said: “It will be a momentous occasion and it celebrates Wallingford’s connection with someone who has contributed so much to the world.

Mr Beatty said it was 'about time' Wallingford and Ms Christie were put on the 'same map,' and he said the statue 'would really boost local tourism.'

The councillor said restaurants were planning on hosting themed nights inspired by Ms Christie’s novels and the town was expected to be 'sold out.'

The restaurant Five Little Pigs, which is famously named after Ms Christie’s Poirot novel, on St Mary’s Street is already nearly completely booked up for the weekend.

The restaurant’s co-owner Rob McGregor said he predicted the weekend to be 'very busy' and the statue unveiling had 'definitely had a noticeable impact on bookings.'

Mr McGregor said his restaurant planned to offer special dishes which were inspired by Ms Christie’s novels and in anticipation of the special weekend, they had been given access to the orchards at the grade II listed Winterbrook House.

Winterbrook was the author’s home when she lived in Wallingford and Mr McGregor said they were given permission to pick apples from the house’s orchards, which will then be turned into an apple juice which will be available to customers from the bar.

Mr McGregor said: “The event will be a good boost for business.

“She is an iconic writer and has fans all over the world.

“The more tourists who come to see the statute, the better for the whole town and us.”

With expectations running high, the town’s mayor Daniel Beauchamp said what was important going forward was ensuring this boost was not simply a one off.

He said: “In the past there have been small events run by the museum but this statue unveiling will act as a focal point and will magnify all the efforts which are taking place.”