Officials in an all-white part of West Virginia sparked outrage across America after referring to Michelle Obama as an "ape in heels".

The mayor of the town of Clay resigned and the director of a local government-funded agency was also removed from her job following the racist comment.

Pamela Ramsey Taylor, director of the Clay County Development Corp, which provides services to elderly and low-income residents, made the remark on Facebook.

She was celebrating Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election, and the elevation of Melania Trump to First Lady.