PRUDISH townsfolk have covered up a giant statue of a PENIS after stiff opposition from local Christians.

The 6ft tall stone willy was erected in a private garden next to the"Way of the Cross", a hiking path up a hill with chapels and images depicting the events of the day Jesus was crucified.

9 This 6ft stone penis is proving too much for some people in an Austrian town Credit: CEN

9 The phallic sculpture has been covered up with a sheet Credit: CEN

Christoph Schragl, the mayor the Austrian town of Traunkirchen, said the rocky member went up last Friday.

He added: "The phallus is a big annoyance for some citizens."

The Mayor said that while some people suspected it was simply a late April Fool’s joke, others felt their faith was being ridiculed - so green screens have been placed to block it from view.

But antique dealer Juergen Hesz, who owns the villa in which the saucy sculpture stands, says many people have stopped to admire his penis - which is a work of art.

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9 A local art dealer says it is an ancient symbol of fertility Credit: CEN

9 Many Christians felt they were being mocked Credit: CEN

9 Mayor Christoph Schragl says the penis has offended some of the faithful Credit: CEN

He said the statue "has been standing there for months" but nobody has complained.

He added: "On the contrary, artists and students admired it."

According to the antique dealer the statue is a 2,000 year-old fertility symbol from the Hellenistic period.

9 The art dealer who owns the house has defended putting his willy on display Credit: CEN

9 The marble phallus stands in the garden of an old villa Credit: CEN

9 Some citizens called the sculpture a 'big annoyance' Credit: CEN

9 Mr Hesz says the town should use his penis to encourage visitors Credit: CEN

Hesz said: "Easter is a fertility festival, it is not? I do not know why a phallus should be something negative."

He pointed that many other works of art also stand in his garden, including a statue of Saint Peter.

Hesz even called for the local tourist board to include his giant penis in an ad campaign for picturesque Traunkirchen - yet the mayor wanted none of it.

Earlier this month it arose that men are using their GPS-based running trackers to create a picture of their genitalia, which is automatically shared online.

It’s all part of a #GoBallsOut campaign to raise awareness for testicular cancer.