Badge reveals Cerne Abbas giant's cheeky side

For decades, the chalk hill figure of the Cerne Abbas giant has been replicated on gifts and memorabilia – but a new pin badge is thought to be the first to reveal his "cheeky" side.

The National Trust, which owns the giant, is launching a set of three pin badges as it fundraises to buy the surrounding landscape in north Dorset.

One of the designs is a limited edition, depicting the giant from behind, revealing his bare bottom.

The pins will be available through the crowdfunder and at local shops and National Trust venues from next week, with proceeds going towards the appeal.

Dr Ian Denness of Cerne Historical Society said: "He's been replicated on many things - tea towels, aprons, clocks, door knockers, weather vanes.

"I believe this is the first time we've had a picture of him from the rear-view mirror.

"There's a collectors item quality to it."

The trust launched a £330,000 appeal to help fund the purchase of 138 hectares (341 acres) surrounding the ancient naked figure after it was put up for sale.

It had already raised £2m and the appeal, launched on 3 December, has gathered nearly £83,000 of donations.

National Trust general manager for West Dorset Hannah Jefferson said the response had been "amazing".

"We are about 25% of the way there and we're not even a week in yet," she said.

"You can tell he's a well-loved figure and people are really keen to look after him.

"We have a limited edition cheeky badge to help with the appeal. We also have two other badges."

The National Trust said 500 of the cheeky badges would be available for people donating to the crowdfunder for the opportunity to win a spot for a re-chalking day next summer.

Dr Denness told BBC Radio Solent he was "quite delighted" the National Trust had stepped up to buy the land.

Speaking on the Dorset Breakfast show, he said: "The land has been privately owned for many years and any kind of change to that ownership leads to fears about inappropriate development.

"The idea of the National Trust being about to buy land around the giant and conserve it, to have it available to the public and conduct more ecological work is very welcome news."

The other badges depict the giant in his original pose and a Duke of Burgundy butterfly - one of the 36 species found on Giant Hill.