Cerne Abbas Giant's manhood given floral makeover

The genitalia on a famous chalk figure have been given a floral makeover.

The Cerne Abbas Giant's penis has been adorned with petals and leaves, making it look like a floral stem.

It is not known who made the alteration, although a note was left at a local shop explaining the act was an "invitation for unity" between men and women on International Women's Day.

The National Trust, which maintains the site, said it did not encourage the defacing of the giant.

Standing at 180ft tall the Cerne Giant is Britain's largest chalk hill figure.

The new adornment of a flower represents "both the male and the female reproductive parts", according to the typewritten sheet of paper that was hand-delivered by a woman to Cerne Abbas Stores in Dorset earlier.

"To celebrate International Women's Day... the aim of this action is to elevate the giant into a human rather than a binary gendered 'him'," the written statement continued.

"This temporary enrichment and extension of the penis into flora, is both a proposition for a permanent change to the chalk creation and an invitation to begin peaceful relationships within the sexes by finally creating equality," it added.

A National Trust spokesman said: "It's important to celebrate International Women's Day, but we don't encourage the defacing of the Cerne Abbas Giant and are very concerned about any interference which may in future encourage damage to this fragile site.

"The giant is protected as both a Scheduled Ancient Monument and as part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest as it's an important chalk grassland for its wild flowers and the butterflies and wildlife that it supports and is easily damaged."

The ancient naked figure has been unofficially altered several times before.

The name 'Theresa' was spelled out on the penis in June 2017, while the giant was seen brandishing a tennis racquet the following month.