A model village has removed a miniature topless streaker from its football pitch after visitors complained that it was “inappropriate” for a family attraction.

The tiny figure, depicting a woman with exposed breasts running among the football player, was until recently a part of Godshill Model Village on the Isle of Wight.

Its inclusion referenced the 1970s and ‘80s, when streaking at football games was commonplace.

However, the streaker has now been shown the red card by bosses at the attraction following the complaints.

While some visitors expressed their “dismay” at its removal, a director cited concerns that streaking is “very much a feature of a different era”.

Children today would “no longer recognise” the reference, she said.

Godshill Model Village was established in 1952 and is privately owned by Penny and Stuart Dyer, having passed into their family’s ownership in the 1960s.

It is renowned for its whimsical sense of humour and often incorporates small, tongue-in-cheek details throughout its displays.

Rupert Willoughby, a local and regular visitor to the model village, said he felt “dismay” at the decision to remove the figure, which he said had always brought “innocent delight”.

He questioned whether the character could truly cause offence, suggesting that it was in keeping with the light-hearted spirit of the model village.

However, Ms Dyer, a director of the centre, said the decision followed feedback from a small number of visitors.

“The streaker on the football pitch has been part of the model village for many years, and for most visitors has been seen as a light-hearted joke," she said.

“However, we’ve received a small number of comments from visitors who felt it was inappropriate for a family attraction.

“Streaking was very much a feature of a different era.

“It is far less common and is no longer something that younger visitors recognise, so the model has lost much of its original relevance.

“As a business, we listen to customer feedback and after considering the comments, we decided to remove her.

“We appreciate that not everyone will agree with the decision, but our priority is ensuring all visitors feel comfortable and enjoy their visit.”