Patricia Hewitt has condemned the traditional use of scantily clad women to sell the British motor show as "pathetic".

The trade and industry secretary believes the advertisements to be a turn off to women thinking of entering industry or an insult to female car consumer power.

"We all support the motor show and we support the automotive sector, but I personally think theses adverts are a big mistake," she said. "We all know sex sells but haven't we got past 'boys with toys'?"