A department store has been rapped over sexy adverts that outraged train passengers.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld complaints over posters on the Metro system for Dolce and Gabbana perfume. The pictures showed a muscular young man peeling underwear from an attractive young woman.

Fenwicks department store in Newcastle put up the posters in the run-up to Christmas all around the rail network.

The advertising watchdog only received three complaints from irate passengers saying the posters were offensive and unsuitable to be seen by children.

The same adverts, photographed by Dolce and Gabbana, have been sent out in magazine and mailing lists.

But the ASA ruled against the campaign because it was on public display to all ages.

A spokesman said: The authority considered the poster was sexually suggestive and was likely to cause serious or widespread offence."

Fenwicks apologised and removed the posters after receiving complaints, but declined to comment on the ASA ruling yesterday.