‘JOLLY Golly’ dolls stocked by shops in a North Yorkshire village have sparked fury and calls for a campaign to have them banned after claims they “are racist and offensive”.

The ‘Jolly Golly’ merchandise – including cups, teapots, keyrings and traditional dolls – are stocked in the stores in Goathland Village on the North York Moors, the setting otherwise known as Aidensfield in the long running traditional TV series Heartbeat.

Colette Cambridge, from York, who regularly visits the area, is calling for the campaign to ensure a positive welcome for everyone.

She added: “Two Goathland village shops continue to sell racist ‘memorabilia’ despite being repeatedly challenged by visitors who are upset and offended by the presence of golliwog souvenirs. It appears the owners are not willing to hear or understand how upsetting and wrong this is.

“Given that Goathland is a key part of the North Yorkshire Moors visitor experience I am amazed that local authorities aren’t concerned by the message that portrays a lack of inclusion for a diverse range of visitors to the local area, especially when it’s more important than ever to the economy.

“It is clearly not going to change. I have considered reporting it as a hate crime, even if they don’t understand that it is racist. You turn up and see golliwogs in the window, do they not realise how insensitive it is.

"I have been coming to Goathland for a number of years, it is known they are there and people are horrified. It is so offensive and it makes me so angry, I feel completely embarrassed – there is no argument to support it.”

The stores failed to respond to requests from The Northern Echo for a comment.

A sign in one store window says: “Hello, We are the ‘Jolly Golly Family’ remember me from bygone years along with many other items we sell in the shop. Many have fond memories of Robertson’s jam etc. We are not here to offend, please enjoy.”

The issue has brought fierce reaction online, one objector saying: “You need to realise how offensive golliwogs are or whatever name you want to give them to make it look better. They are racist to the majority and may bring back trauma for some.”

An online supporter added: “If you are one of the perpetually offended, who have mass piled onto this website to leave unwarranted vile abuse levelled at shop owners trying to make a living, in difficult times, I would urge you to check out the Gollynomics website to educate yourself as to the historical context of these lovable ragdolls origins.”

Gollynomics was started by Ghanian grandmother Charlotte Nightingale who raises money for agriculture and education in Ghana by selling golly dolls.

She said: “There is nothing offensive about it. I started it because of this nonsense – there are other more important issues affecting black people, these are the most famous dolls on the planet.”