Fairy fool sparks huge response

Thousands of people looked at pictures of the Firestone Fairy

Photographs of a mummified fairy supposedly found in Derbyshire have been revealed as an April Fool's prank.

Former Derbyshire resident Dan Baines, 31, who designs illusions for magicians, made the fairy as a prank.

The fairy was reportedly found by a dog walker at Firestone Hill near Duffield and pictures of it posted on a website.

The site got 20,000 hits in one day from fairy believers. "Although I've said it's a hoax, people still believe that it's real," said Mr Baines.

One person told me to return the remains to the grave site as soon as possible or face the consequences Dan Baines

"They believe this is just a cover-up so let the illusion continue."

He added that it had taken him four hours a day to answer all of his emails.

"I've had all sorts of comments including people who say they've seen exactly the same things and one person who told me to return the remains to the grave site as soon as possible or face the consequences," he said.

The fairy is about eight inches long with details such as a navel, ears and hair added for authenticity.

Mr Baines added that he had now become addicted to April Fool's jokes and told people to "watch this space" for future pranks.

The photographs have now been taken down from the website.