Church apologises after 'blacking up' white mannequin for charity display

. Credit: SWNS

A church has apologised after using a 'blacked up' white mannequin in a display promoting Christian Aid week.

The model, holding a black baby doll, was installed in a window display at the Maidstone United Reformed Church in Maidstone, Kent, on Friday and was taken down yesterday after complaints.

The model was holding a black baby doll. Credit: SWNS

One onlooker saw a woman putting a white mannequin in the window before using brown varnish to paint it.

Reverend Andrew Royal said there was no "intention to cause offence". Credit: SWNS

Reverend Andrew Royal, the minister of Maidstone United Reformed Church, was forced to issue an apology and said there was no "intention to cause offence".

Christian Aid week is an annual event run by a several churches nationwide, which helps raise funds for less-fortunate people across the world. Last year, 20,000 churches raised £12million for the cause.

The charity has declined to comment on the mannequin in Maidstone United Reformed Church.