A visitor has said he was shocked to find a “racist” image of a golliwog doll for sale at a flea market.

George Lamptey, from Bromley, was upset when he spotted the image in a painting from a Golden Shred marmalade advertisement by manufacturer Robertson’s.

The 47-year-old, whose parents are from Ghana in west Africa, said the image holds racist connotations and he was surprised to see it.

He said: “This is the first time I have ever seen anything like this. I had to do a double take. I have gone to lots of markets and not seen anything as blatant. I walked past it twice then decided ‘do you know what, I’m not just going to let this go’.

“It’s my point of view, and I think it is wrong, I think it is racist.”

The golliwog used to be a widespread image as it was used on Robertson’s jam and marmalade jars and was sold separately as dolls.

But its history lies in the racist segregation in the United States, with critics saying it has created stereotypes about black people.

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Mr Lamptey, who spotted the image while visiting the Lewes Flea Market in Sussex, said he has suffered racist abuse, including being called an abusive term based on the golliwog.

He said: “My parents were immigrants here from Ghana in west Africa in the 1960s. I can remember the golliwog on the marmalade jars, and thought nothing of it as a child.

“Commercially it was not an issue. But when I was five or six years old I was oblivious to it.

“But growing up I did hear the insults, I did see the signs from the National Front, the graffiti, and I remember having stones being thrown at me.

“I grew up with with various incidents, and remember there were areas where you simply couldn’t go.

“I have heard racism and abusive terms in my lifetime. We are in 2019, it is surprising and shocking to see it.”

He posted his criticism on Trip Advisor and in response one poster, listed as the owner Alan W, replied: “Thank you for your comments and the publicity.

“There are many things that offend or are found unacceptable. My personal dislike is the Roman Catholic Church. I hope we can agree to disagree.”

Mr Lamptey said: “From the owner’s point of view, these things are collectibles. They won’t see it as racist. I guess we can leave it for the public to decide.”

The flea market owner refused to reply for comment.