Tacks man

A Catholic priest has incurred the wrath of parishioners for choosing to spend £15,000 on a 6ft 6in sculpture of Christ to help make the church feel more modern. Father Neil Bayliss deemed the work by Yorkshire artist Shaun Gagg, constructed solely of nails, as the perfect complement to Holy Cross & St Francis Church in Walmley, Sutton Coldfield. Anita Deshmukh, 62, who has been a regular attendee for almost 40 years, said she was “horrified” at the cost, which must be approved by the Birmingham diocese. Father Bayliss declined to be drawn on the cost. He said: “I thought it should be in a church where Christians can see it, reflect on it and get inspiration.”