The White Nancy monument in Bollington has been covered in graffiti, with 'Stop 5G' among the many incoherent messages painted on and around the famous landmark.

Other messages include references to the Bill Gates, the billionaire who has been the subject of a number of conspiracy theories surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

Diane Rhodes, who posted the pictures on social media, told Nub News: "As part of my run from Macclesfield, I like to take in the local landmark in Bollington if it fits in with my route. I used to live on one of the roads at the bottom of white Nancy, so it's my homing beacon."

"I was shocked and saddened to see the level of vandalism daubed around the paving stones and the slogan on White Nancy herself."

She added: "It's been used as a platform for different groups to voice their ideals in the past, mostly it's a local beauty spot for everyone to enjoy. Recently it was 'turned blue' by Bollington fire service, celebrating the NHS workers."

Reacting to the vandalism, Cllr Amanda Stott, who represents the Bollington ward, said: "I am extremely disappointed that someone has defaced the much-loved monument which sits above Bollington. There are established channels for people to use to protest or make their feelings known.

"Sad that there are people who feel that this type of action is acceptable. We are lucky in Bollington to have a strong volunteer community and it will probably fall to them working with the Town Council to repair this vandalism. "

Some people on social media have posted that they have gone up to the local landmark to try and clean the graffiti.

The structure is designated as a grade II listed building by the National Heritage List for England.

Nub News has contacted the police for more information and will update this story when it is received.