A Romanian garden gnome-maker has been criticised after placing models of plastic prostitutes outside his business to drum up trade.

Neighbouring residents have said that the models outside Christi Birgu's newly-opened business in Lilieci are a danger as they could distract passing motorists. They are also viewed as unsuitable for children.

One local man said: "I don't think it is moral to display such objects on the street."

Birgu defended his "aggressive marketing", vowing that the dummies will remain.

However, the 27-year-old admitted that the dummies are having limited success. "So far, my girls have attracted a lot of beeping from truck drivers but not too many customers," he said.