A Woolworths superstore in Stockton has been ordered to take childrens t-shirts off its shelves after it was accused of glamourising joyriding.

The offending tops were emblazoned with the slogan Drive It Like You Stole It.

Last night the mum of a boy killed by a speeding driver and North-East road safety campaigners slammed Woolworths for selling the 4.50 t-shirts, claiming they were disgusting.

Katrina Taylor, from Darlington, whose eight-month-old son Callum was killed by a speeding driver in West Conforth two-and-a-half years ago, said: "It is absolutely disgusting and shocking and gives children the impression it is funny.

"If I saw somebody wearing that t-shirt, I would be really offended. I would go and explain my situation and what I have gone through. I am very pleased that they have now been withdrawn."

Less than three weeks ago 48-year-old grandmother, Pamela Phinn, from South Shields, was hit and killed by a driver in a car.

Jeremy Forsberg, spokesman for North-East pressure group Safe Speed For Life Campaign, said: "This is distasteful and insensitive.

"To encourage any criminal behaviour is totally irresponsible."

Last night Woolworths said that in April, after complaints from the public, it had instructed its stores to remove the t-shirts - supplied by clothing retailer Peacocks. However the message did not get through to its eight out of town stores, including the branch in Portrack Lane, Stockton.

A spokesman said: "We would like to apologise to any customers who may have been offended by the clothing and we will be reviewing our supply arrangements with Peacocks to ensure that a similar incident does not occur again."

Peacocks apologised for any distress caused.