Infamous pothole crusader W*nksy has returned - continuing his x-rated fight against holes in the road armed with a can of spray paint.

The mystery artist is back on the streets highlighting potholes by drawing a picture of a huge male appendage around them.

Last April, his unconventional approach proved a success, with many of the potholes he highlighted being filled within 48 hours.

But he was blasted by council chiefs for being ‘stupid’ and ‘incredibly insulting’ to residents.

The comedy phallus campaigner took a hiatus following the damp winter weather, but is now back out pounding the pavements in Greater Manchester.

His latest rude scrawlings have appeared on Lumb Carr Road, Ramsbottom, and Helmshore Road, Stubbins - much to the delight of fans.

In pictures: W*nksy's work

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Photographs of the street art were posted on Facebook and have been liked by hundreds of people.

A message with the first image read: “Due to demand and finally a bit of dry weather, W*nksy has returned! Heres a nice one to brighten up your evening!”

The message accompanying the photograph of Lumb Carr Road said: “This length took quite a bit of paint... Ramsbottom, you called... and W*nksy answered.”

W*nksy said he was inspired to take to the streets again following a horror crash in the area caused by a pothole.

The driver told police he hit a crater in the road before crashing into another car and hitting a wall.

W*nksy said: “We have seen how many people have had their cars damaged by potholes recently.

“The crash just out of the centre of Ramsbottom was caused by a pothole. I almost twisted my ankle crossing the road on one in Stubbins.

“I know the council will be saying the floods are the cause, but they should try fixing them properly.

“Chucking a bit of tarmac in a hole isn’t going to work.”

Today is National Pothole Day, when social media users are asked to report, share and highlight dodgy pavements and cracked roads across the country.

W*nksy hopes to return to the streets soon and is urging fans to be on the look out for his latest creations.

Bury council’s deputy leader Rishi Shori said: “It’s disappointing. We appreciate that people have issues with potholes and we are doing our best, in very difficult financial times, to address those concerns.

“But making your point by scrawling obscenities on the highway, often near schools, is not the way to air your concerns.

“It costs tax-payers more money as we have to clean the graffiti - and doesn’t necessarily mean we will fix the pothole straight away.”