Aardman changes Pirates leprosy scene after complaint

Film animation company Aardman is to change a scene in their new film which "pokes fun" at people with leprosy.

The Essex-based charity, Lepra Health in Action, objected to the scene in the trailer for Pirates! In An Adventure with Scientists! which sees an arm fall off a crew member on a "leper-boat".

An Aardman spokesman said it would change the scene "out of respect and sensitivity" for leprosy sufferers.

In a statement, Lepra said it was "genuinely delighted" by the decision.

The scene shows the arrival of the Pirate Captain on board a captive ship, demanding gold.

"Afraid we don't have any gold old man, this is a leper-boat," explains a crew member. "See," he adds as his arm falls off.

Bristol-based Aardman has not commented how the scene has been changed, but says it will be acceptable to leprosy affected people.

One person is diagnosed with leprosy every two minutes worldwide, according to Lepra.