A Woolworth'S store in Stockton has been ordered to take children's T-shirts off its shelves after it was accused of glamorising joyriding.

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

Last night, the mother of a boy killed by a speeding driver and road safety campaigners criticised Woolworth's 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 Cornforth two-and-a-half years ago, said: "It is absolutely disgusting and shocking and gives children the impression it is funny."

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

Last night, Woolworth's said that in April, after complaints from the public, it had instructed its stores to remove the T-shirts - supplied by retailer Peacocks.

But 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."