GRAHAM Curtis denies that it was love at first sight when he spotted the life-size model of Marilyn Monroe - but he knew that the blonde bombshell may well be good for his Chandler's Ford business.

He was proved absolutely right, as the Curtis Brothers Bathroom Studio in Bournemouth Road is now known as the shop with Marilyn Monroe in the window.

But what people may not know is that the statue of Marilyn in the famous pose from her film The Seven Year Itch is not just any old reproduction.

For the model came from a London cinema, where it was used to promote the 1955 film.

"Now they have cardboard cut-outs in the foyer, but then they used to use things like this," explained 51-year-old Graham, who is a partner in the Chandler's Ford business.

"I bought her a good eight years ago. There was a second-hand trader in Winchester with a market stall, who used to use her as a prop.

"I asked him quite a few times if he would flog her to me and he eventually gave in.

"It just caught my eye and I thought it would be ideal for my shop. But she was in a state when I first got her. There was paint flaking off and I sent it to an artist in Bournemouth for repainting."

Mr Curtis says he is not a film buff but readily acknowledges that Marilyn has been good for business. "It's a talking point," he said.

He also gets regular requests from people wanting to borrow the model for parties - and a lot of people want to buy her.

He added: "I don't want to sell her yet. It will have to be the right person and the right price."