The fabric-covered model, which is proving controversial because it has a baby 'bump', was on display in the window of H&J Lingerie in Market Lane, Selby, until a string of negative comments from shoppers and passers-by prompted store owner Amanda Bere to remove it.

Amanda said: "People kept telling me how offensive they found it and word was spreading.

"Being a new business, I didn't want to offend or drive anyone away so I replaced the bra and briefs with a camisole to cover the 'bump', but it didn't help and I felt I had no choice but to move it further inside.

"On the other hand, unless the dummy is in the window, many people don't realise we stock this range so don't call in. I'm trying to please everyone, but can't."

She added: "It's silly really. The dummy is very plain – in fact, the other models are more detailed and have shown more 'skin', but no-one has mentioned those."

Amanda's is the only store in Selby where women can take advantage of a free bra measuring and fitting service and buy maternity, nursing, bridal and other underwear in a wider range of sizes than available on the high street.

SureStart breastfeeding peer supporter and mum-of-three Amy Webb is among those disappointed by attitudes towards the dummy.

Amy, of Kent Road in Selby, said: "Having a five-week-old baby, I'm so grateful not to have to traipse into York and wait for some half-trained individual to try and fit me a bra before telling me my size isn't stocked.

"Complaints about a shop dummy wearing a nursing bra and knickers because it has a 'bump' on show are just ridiculous, and I find this attitude offensive. There are so many pregnant women in Selby, and whether their bumps are on show or not, pregnancy is natural and the need for correctly-fitted underwear is important.

"The people who made these comments need to take a long hard look at their values."

See this week's letters pages for further comment.