A sculpture of a woman baring all has just gone on show at a North Yorkshire church - and already some indignant worshippers are asking for it to be removed to spare their blushes.

The controversial bright pink body modelled from clay and fibreglass is part of a contemporary art exhibition at the 10th century Selby Abbey.

The naked woman, wearing nothing but a smile, is a "cheeky" angelic version of a medieval church carving, says artist Amanda Wray.

She said the sculpture had been put on top of a 6ft high plinth to "hide some of the naughty bits".

She said: "I'm very surprised that some people have complained. I don't want to offend anybody - that's why I put her on a plinth."

Miss Wray said: "It is based on Sheela-na-Gigs, a medieval carving which can still be seen on some churches and cathedrals.

"No one is quite sure if she is supposed to represent earth-mothers or be warnings of wanton women, so I made my own cheeky angelic version."

The clay sculpture, however, has gone down like a lead balloon with some worshippers who are to ask for it to be removed or covered up during services.

One Selby Abbey parochial church council member, who did not wish to be identified to spare her blushes, said she was "horrified" when she first saw it.

She said: "It's in full view of the congregation and most inappropriate for the abbey. The majority of our worshippers are middle-aged and elderly and they will find it very offensive.

"It isn't on and I will be raising the matter at next week's parochial church council meeting."

The Vicar of Selby Abbey, the Reverend Keith Jukes, said: "I can understand that some people may be upset, and I will be happy for it to be debated at next Tuesday's parochial church council meeting.

"There is always the option for it to be removed if there is sufficient strength of feeling."