Singer Joss Stone has posed nude for an animal rights advert protesting against the killing of bears whose fur is used for a military hat.

The Queen’s Guards’ cap is made using the fur of the black bear which is found in parts of the US.

The ad shows the soul singer holding a teddy bear that covers her naked body and features the slogan “Bear Hugs, Not Bear Caps”.

Animal welfare group PETA, who are behind the ad, are campaigning against the killing of the bears for the garments.

Ms Stone, 23, said: “Too many people at the Ministry of Defence are dragging their heels on this issue, and I feel like more needs to be done to stop the murder.

“It’s time for the Ministry of Defence to finally make the switch and go fur-free, and I hope that the ad I have created with PETA helps raise awareness and puts a stop to this unnecessary killing.”

A official for the Ministry of Defence said: “The North American Black Bear, whose fur is used, are not killed specifically for the Footguards caps. “Their numbers in the US and Canada are kept under control through very strictly enforced licensing regimes – this is how the fur is sourced. “We have looked into alternative man made materials in the past, but none has come remotely close to matching the natural properties that bear fur possesses.