It was meant to be a cheeky joke – three saucy garden gnomes that had a lot more on show than the usual fishing rod and wheelbarrow.

But after a neighbour complained to a council the nude figures were upsetting her children, their owner has been ordered to cover up their modesty.

The gnomes, one male and two female, have taken pride of place in Sandra Smith’s brightly decorated front garden – which boasts more than 200 novelty statues and figures – for around 15 years.

See more photos below

And the weird and wonderful collection has been the talking point with villagers and visitors to Redhill Place, in Hunnington, near Halesowen.

But not everyone saw the funny side. One neighbour complained to Bromsgrove District Council, and last week Mrs Smith was told to clothe the three 2ft clay creations by an officer who telephoned her.

“I’ve got grandchildren and they all love the gnomes,” said 64-year-old Mrs Smith.

“They have been here for around 15 years and everyone who visits me finds them funny and a bit harmless fun.

“They’re proper cheeky chappies with their little smiley faces looking up at you.

“Whenever people come up to the door delivering parcels they ask if they can have a little look under their T-shirt.”

Widow Mrs Smith’s garden is planted with around 30-40 flowers and shrubs, around 300 garden lights and does have a three to 4ft wall surrounding the garden.

Over the last few years she has been suffering from breathing problems that mean she is unable to travel very far from her home. “I love my garden and it gives me a lot of enjoyment,” she said.

“I’m going to be keeping the gnomes in the garden with their T-shirts on at the moment but I’d love to get the gnomes out in their glory again.”

The offended neighbour confirmed she had made the complaint. The woman, who did not wish to be named, said she thought the gnomes were “pathetic”.

“I don’t think they should be in a garden with my young kids running around nearby,” she said. “They are childish and I think it pathetic that they are in a front garden in full view of everyone.”

Bromsgrove District Council was unavailable for comment today.

By Andrew Turton