A controversial pregnant male mannequin is causing a stir in Hove.

The model is the work of Paula Sigley who bristled at the sight of every carefree man who walked by her when she was lumbering about heavily pregnant and who would never know the pain of childbirth.

She knew there was nothing she could do to make a man pregnant so she settled for the next best thing and decided to build one instead.

Now her pregnant male mannequin - complete with swollen breasts - is causing a stir in Hove, provoking some extreme and occasionally hostile reaction.

Paula, 32, is holding her first exhibition of paintings and sculptures at Medina House in Kings Esplanade which squatters have transformed into a community arts centre.

She makes no secret of her desire to shock and the explicit show is certainly proving an eye opener for many who visit.

The mother-of-three is particularly pleased with the reaction to her controversial pregnant male, which she has entitled My Thoughts Inflicted.

She said: "At the time I was a bit cheesed off with being pregnant and was feeling a bit antagonistic towards men.

"I thought the only way I could make a man pregnant was by making one myself.

"I love the reaction it produces.

"We put it outside the door when we launched the exhibition and this woman came along and picked it up and dragged it inside.

"She barged through the door, banged it down and said she didn't like it and never wanted to see it again. She was quite disgusted and angry about it.

"I much prefer the negative reactions. It's so much more passionate than someone standing there saying "that is a nice picture" and it's always amusing to watch.

"A lot of my work is about provoking reactions. I like people watching.

"Extreme reactions tell me so much more about a person.

"It is quite an explicit show but so far most of the reactions have been good.

"This is my first proper exhibition and I have already got an agent interested and been offered quite a bit of money for a few of the paintings.

"I have decided not to sell yet because I'm hoping to exhibit elsewhere so more people can see the work."

Self-taught Paula failed her O'level art exam but is now turning down offers of £2,000 for her unique artworks.

Medina House has enjoyed its own quirky history since it was built more than 100 years ago.

It is thought to have started life as a diamond factory, later metamorphisising into a turkish bath.

Since the squatters moved in on May 9 they have spent hundreds of pounds clearing broken glass and masonry, repairing windows and flooring and reinstalling water and electricity, even though the property does not belong to them.

They have put on free music, theatre and arts events but in June were served with a possession order at Brighton County Court.

Owners Delta Star Properties want the building back but the squatters have vowed to keep the centre open until the building is cleared for redevelopment.

Member Matthew Parry said: "We are the newest and biggest gallery space at this end of town.

"We are trying to make the most of this beautiful building for the enjoyment of the whole community."

Paula Sigley's art is on display until September 20. Admission is free.