Mannequin puts Malmesbury's knickers in a twist (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Mannequin puts Malmesbury's knickers in a twist

3:41pm Thursday 31st May 2012 in News By Tina Robins

A SCANTILY dressed figure has got tongues wagging in Malmesbury.

Japanese tourists have asked to have their picture taken with her and regulars at the Whole Hog are taking a keen interest in her attire.

Now Beau Belle lingerie store’s mannequin has become so popular she now has her own Facebook page.

Nicknamed Belle, she has been stood outside the shop in the Market Cross for the past three weeks modelling different sets of underwear and giving customers at the nearby Whole Hog an eyeful.

“They just love it. They keep asking when is she going to change her underwear,” said Sue Lehrer, who started Beau Belle eight months ago with friend Dee Harris. “We’ve even had Japanese tourists having their picture taken with her.”

Dee told the Standard: “She has been good for business. People knew we were here, but seeing her reminds them to come in.

“We were going to put an A board out but this is more unusual and it shows what we sell.”

Tony Kemp, barman at the pub said: "The changing of the underwear is a big day, we all look forward to that.

"One Friday afternoon when they've had a few too many that mannequin is going to be in here,"

However the mannequin’s saucy appearance in a black lacy thong was a little too much cheek for one mum who complained to the town council. Although it is not responsible for enforcement, deputy town clerk Phil Rice nipped round to investigate.

Now Belle will be wearing slightly bigger pants.

“I found it quite funny, but we don’t want to upset anyone,” added Dee.