A bookmaker has given the Cerne Abbas Giant a tennis-themed makeover in tribute to Andy Murray’s announcement that he and his wife are expecting their second child – but the National Trust has voiced opposition to it.

The stunt, organised by Paddy Power, put up the daddy of all tributes to the British No. 1 this morning, with locals rising to see the Giant holding a tennis racket and throwing a tennis ball, rather than holding his usual giant club.

Completed under the cover of darkness this morning, the stunt took a six-strong team equipped with night vision goggles just over three hours to complete.

They used a whopping 255sqm of tarpaulin and 250 tent pegs to complete the piece.

Some residents said that they heard a helicopter going over the area just before midmorning.

The iconic Cerne Abbas Giant, which dates back to the 17th century, was chosen as the site of the tribute to Mr Murray as it is recognized as a symbol of fertility.

A spokesperson for Paddy Power said: “What better way to mark the start of the tennis than to give him a racket and ball?”

A spokesperson for the National Trust said: “We’re fans of tennis as much as anyone and pleased to hear of Andy Murray’s news, however we do not encourage any defacing of the Cerne Abbas Giant, however it was done.

“The Cerne Abbas Giant is protected as both a Scheduled Ancient Monument and as part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and we are very concerned about any publicity stunt that may in future encourage damage to this fragile site.

The spokesperson added: “As a scheduled Ancient Monument, the giant has the highest archaeological protection and any damage caused would be an offence.

It’s our job to look after special places like this so everyone can enjoy them and we know that visitors who come here every year have a huge emotional connection with this special place.”

Residents in Cerne Abbas were intrigued by the surprise makeover of the Giant.

Chris Davies, 21, from Abbots Walk, who works at The Royal Oak, said: “Well, I look forward to getting on my bike and having a look at it for a start.”

He added that he would not be surprised if there were some “grumbles” in the village from some people about the reworking of the famous landmark, but also believed that “most people in the village will see the light-hearted spirit in it.”

Mark, who lives on Abbey Street, was not quite sure what to think about it as he wanted to go have a look at it for himself, though he thought the now tennis-themed giant might be a good thing for the town.

He said: “I suppose it is good advertising for our village.”