A SUGGESTIVE sign in the window of Salisbury’s Ann Summers shop has angered Christians in the city, who say it makes a mockery of the true meaning of Christmas.

The shop, in Old George Mall, has put up an advert featuring a woman wearing a pair of antlers proclaiming ‘We wish you a horny Christmas’, a sentiment some feel is inappropriate during a Christian celebration.

Joy Hall-Tipping, a member of St Paul’s church Oasis women’s group, is writing to the company, civic leaders and MP Robert Key to complain about the sign.

She said: “The play on words is not amusing - it is offensive to many Christians, and improper advertising at this time, in this lovely cathedral city.”

Mrs Hall-Tipping has considerable support among the 80-strong group at the church, many of whom will be adding their voices to hers in a call for the sign to be taken down.

Another group member, Rhona McKeown, said: “We are all absolutely appalled because Christmas for us is a very special time and an advert like that is really below the belt.

“I think that if it was any of the other faiths everyone would be up in arms.”

St Paul’s rector Andrew Cullis said the group is acting separately from the church but added, “I think it is part of everybody cashing in on Christmas, as they tend to do these days.”

Jacqueline Gold, chief executive of Ann Summers, said the advert is meant to be just a bit of fun and is not intended to offend.

“We are proud of our tongue-in-cheek window and marketing messages, designed to make our customers smile,” she said.

“We aim to offer women the opportunity to feel sexy and have fun.

“One or two questions have been raised about our new Christmas windows and we are listening to feedback from our customers and staff to ensure that we achieve the right balance.”

She said any complaints received will be investigated.