FLASHING Freddie, a naughty gnome who caused a rumpus among villagers by exposing himself, is in disgrace.

Following complaints to the police and parish council, the grinning flasher has been ordered to face the house wall where his assets are not on view to passers-by.

Freddie had no idea his arrival in the front garden flower beds would cause such a stir in the village of Dacre Banks, near Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire.

Some passers-by chuckled at the cheeky chap with his long coat wide open, but others said it was rude - and there were even complaints to the police.

Dan Hardcastle, a 23-year-old butcher in nearby Summerbridge, and partner Karen Windass, are Freddie's proud owners.

When they bought him for £35 as a holiday souvenir from Bridlington they had no idea he would cause such a stir.

"I wouldn't mind, but he's not particularly well-endowed," said Mr Hardcastle, pointing out it was rather cold in the upper reaches of Nidderdale.

Although Freddie is now facing the wall, Miss Windass hopes he will soon have his old view back.

She is planning to buy him a fig leaf to make him more acceptable to the neighbours.

Miss Windass said she was not critical of the police for following up complaints.

Once Freddie's cover-up is complete, Mr Hardcastle and his partner are planning to erect a notice explaining why his clothing has been rearranged.

Although the parish council asked for Freddie to be moved, members said they did not call in the police.