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Paddy Power’s latest PR stunt has landed the bookmakers in hot water after it was accused of disrespect in the wake of altering an ancient monument.

Under the cover of darkness, a six-strong team equipped with night vision goggles dawned a tennis racket and ball into the Cerne Abbas giant in Dorset in a tribute to dad-to-be Andy Murray.

The chalk giant is usually armed with a club but Paddy Power transformed the 180ft figure using a whopping 255 square metres of tarpaulin and 250 tent pegs in just over three hours after the announcement that the tennis pro and his wife Kim Sears were expecting a baby.

However, the National Trust which manages the iconic site above the village of Cerne Abbas criticised Paddy Power for having “disrespected the site” as well as damaging the "huge emotional connection" visitors have with the giant.

(Image: Paddy Power)

A spokesman added: "We’re fans of tennis as much as anyone and pleased to hear of Andy Murray’s news, however we do not encourage any defacing of the Cerne Abbas Giant, however it was done.

"The Cerne Abbas Giant is protected as both a Scheduled Ancient Monument and as part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and we are very concerned about any publicity stunt that may in future encourage damage to this fragile site.

"As a scheduled Ancient Monument, the giant has the highest archaeological protection and any damage caused would be an offence.

(Image: Paddy Power)

"It’s our job to look after special places like this so everyone can enjoy them and we know that visitors who come here every year have a huge emotional connection with this special place.

"The site is protected as important chalk grassland for its wild flowers and the butterflies and wildlife that it supports and is easily damaged."

A spokesman for Paddy Power had originally said that the company had been given permission by the National Trust to carry out the work and had made a donation to the trust.

In May, the giant's penis was defaced with the word "Theresa" shortly before the General Election.