mummified fairy "found" in Derbyshire--photo courtesy of bbc news image:29072:0::0

Dan Baines, 31, who used to live in Derbyshire, designs illusions for magicians; he made the fairy as a prank.

The fairy was supposedly discovered by someone walking a dog at Firestone Hill near Duffield, and photographs of it were posted on a website. The site received 20,000 hits in one day from people who believe in fairies.

"Although I've said it's a hoax," said Baines, "people still believe that it's real.

"They believe this is just a cover-up so let the illusion continue."

Baines declared that it had taken him four hours a day to answer all the email he received.

"I've had all sorts of comments including people who say they've seen exactly the same things and one person who told me to return the remains to the grave site as soon as possible or face the consequences," he said.

The fairy is approximately eight inches long; Baines added features such as a navel, ear and hair "for authenticity."

The photos have been taken down from the website.