Free The Bromyard Three !

From This is Worcestershire, featuring guest appearance by 'political correctness gone mad'.

PROTESTERS picketed outside Bromyard Police Station this week demanding freedom for the gollies nicknamed the "Bromyard three".

The soft toys were confiscated from Donald Reynolds' shop, A & E Pettifers, under section 5 of the Public Order Act, after a complaint was made about them being displayed in the window.

Following national interest in the plight of the gollies, local businessmen now want to keep the town in the public eye by bringing out a Bromyard Golly, complete with criminal record, and a range of themed merchandise.

Local businesses also joined the campaign, displaying posters in the shop windows.

Mr Reynolds said: "The police have been very good about the protest, taking it in a light-hearted way. I'm amazed at the support I've received."

However, there was a serious note to the protest, with some people believing police should spend more time patrolling the streets not `arresting' soft toys. Beryl Badley said: "It's political correctness gone mad."

Sgt Nick Semper said gollies were offensive to some people. However, John Phillips, who described himself as "one of the few coloured people in Bromyard", disagreed and was happy to join in Monday's protest.

"I don't think it's an issue," he said. "There are more important things to worry about in the world. At the end of the day, everyone wants to live in racial harmony."

Like many residents, Mr Phillips said he was concerned about the level of crime and lack of a police presence.

Since the Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter broke the gollies' story, Mr Reynolds has had orders for more than 400 and the Bromyard three will be auctioned for charity when they are returned.