VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help re-chalk the ancient 180ft Cerne Abbas Giant.

The hillside figure has become obscured by vegetation and moss because of a wet summer and the situation has been made worse by a shortage of sheep farmers lending their flocks to the National Trust.

The organisation usually borrows around 100 sheep for a few weeks in May and September to graze on the vegetation and keep the giant in shape.

Trust West Dorset head warden Rob Rhodes said: "The grass is now pretty much smothering the whole of the giant.

"He is not completely invisible but he is quite overgrown."

The club-wielding figure is being re-chalked from tomorrow until September 20 depending on the weather.

Mr Rhodes said: "Throughout the history of the Cerne Abbas Giant it has been maintained and looked after by residents and locals of Cerne.

"It's a chance to keep that tradition going and help locals carry out the maintenance work."

He also urged conservationists nationwide to join in and volunteer during the week as weekend slots were already over-subscribed.

Mr Rhodes will lead a team of four other wardens and around 30 conservation volunteers per day including school children.

They will be split into groups with tasks including digging out the older chalk, carrying it to the top of the hill, collecting new chalk and applying it to the trench in several layers.

He said: "How many ancient monuments around Britain do people get the chance to help maintain?

"The giant is on a par with St Paul's Cathedral and Stonehenge.

"It's a chance for the public to get involved and help with maintenance and upkeep."

The first record of the giant, also referred to as the Rude Man, dates back to 1694 and he is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Many believe the figure is a symbol of ancient spirituality and fertility and he has been used to advertise products as diverse as condoms, jeans and bicycles.

The giant was disguised during the Second World War to prevent German aircraft using him as a landmark.

Since then he has always been visible, receiving regular grass trimmings and a full re-chalking every 10 years.

The last re-chalking was in September 2001 but it was brought forward to 2008 because of erosion caused by recent wet summers.