ANIMATION company Aardman has been forced to scrap a scene from its new movie which pokes fun at leprosy sufferers – thanks to a campaign led by a former Canterbury schoolgirl.

The leprosy charity LEPRA, headed by ex-Simon Langton pupil Sarah Nancollas, took issue with a scene from the upcoming release, Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists.

The offending clip shows a character called Pirate Captain, voiced by Hugh Grant, boarding a captive ship and demanding gold.

A crew member explains: "Afraid we don't have any gold old man, this is a leper boat," before his arm drops off.

Describing the joke as "in poor taste," Miss Nancollas – who has been LEPRA's chief executive for 15 months – said it was a damaging myth that leprosy causes limbs to fall off.

She told the Canterbury Times: "We weren't complaining to be politically correct or to spoil anyone's fun. We spoke up about it after we were contacted by sufferers of leprosy.

"People face discrimination because of misconceptions about the disease. If people believe that kind of thing, it can be very damaging."

The campaign compelled the Oscar-winning makers of Wallace and Gromit to drop the controversial scene from the film, ahead of its release on March 28.

In a statement, Aardman said: "After reviewing the matter, we decided to change the scene out of respect and sensitivity for those who suffer from leprosy.

"The last thing anyone intended was to offend anyone and it is clear to us that the right way to proceed is to honour the efforts made by organisations like LEPRA and the World Health Organisation to educate the public about this disease."

Speaking after the decision was announced, Miss Nancallos, 50, said she was "genuinely delighted," but added: "Sadly, this is only a small victory in a much bigger battle. Leprosy is a much misunderstood condition and Aardman can help us change that.

"We welcome the response. Hopefully the publicity will help to reduce the damage that has already been done with the use of this trailer across the world."

Miss Nancallos will be returning to Simon Langton Grammar School in March to teach pupils about issues surrounding the misunderstood disease.

The school is also planning a sponsored workout on Thursday, February 23, as part of annual fundraising event which has raised more than £7,216 for the charity.