Telling someone you saw a naked man on the A12 in Suffolk would probably raise a few eyebrows.

However, thousands of commuters, tourists and people going about their day-to-day lives are greeted by one of the most bemusing sights road users across the country will see. 

But why is there a statue of a naked man on the A12 at Yoxford?

East Anglian Daily Times: Laurence Edwards is the man behind the Yoxman statueLaurence Edwards is the man behind the Yoxman statue (Image: Newsquest)

Weighing eight tonnes and standing at 26ft tall, the Yoxman is a sight to behold. 

It took four years for sculptor Laurence Edwards to create the masterpiece. 

"I feel really proud," said Mr Edwards in 2021. "There's been a space in the land for four years. He's at his home.

"It really doesn't stick out like a sore thumb, it feels right."

According to the sculptor, the statue symbolises issues the country has faced over the last few years. 

East Anglian Daily Times: The Yoxman statue is 26ft tallThe Yoxman statue is 26ft tall (Image: Newsquest)

However, the Yoxman has not come without controversy.

There were concerns in January 2022 that the statue could distract drivers after it featured in the national press. 

Russell Pearce, chairman of Yoxford Parish Council, said most people opt to stop in the nearby lay-by.

Last month saw Wilderness Reserve Limited apply to light up the statue with mounted lights. 

However, Yoxford Parish Council opposed the plans, outlining that it could be a "hazardous distraction".

"Given the close proximity of the statue to the A12, and being on a bend in the road with a 40mph speed limit, any lighting may present a potentially hazardous distraction to passing traffic," they said.

"Lighting of the statue may cause a nuisance to local residents living opposite or close to it.