Tesco and Asda attacked for lingerie and pole dancing kits for kids

The National Union of Teachers said it was "wrong" that Tesco and Asda were targeting youngsters with products including lace lingerie and pole dancing kits.

The union was launching a report into the commercialisation of childhood at its annual conference in Harrogate today.

NUT General Secretary Steve Sinnott told BBC's Radio Four's Today programme: "This sort of thing is really inappropriate for youngsters. Society is changing, some of it for the better, some not.

"It is wrong to exploit youngsters in this particular way and to target these products.

"Childhood should be about enjoyment and education."

He singled out Tesco for marketing a pole dancing kit to children and Asda for selling black and pink lace lingerie "including push up bras for nine-year-olds".

Such marketing "in effect shortens their childhood, " Mr Sinnott said.

Asda denied the accusations, emphasising that it has never sold a push-up bra for a nine-year-old. The supermarket said it had sold black and pink lace knickers around five years ago, but they had been withdrawn from sale.

"We take our duties as a responsible retailer very seriously indeed," an Asda spokesman said.

Tesco also refuted the allegations.

A spokesman said the pole dancing kit was not sexually oriented and was clearly aimed at adults.

He added that the kit reflected an "exercise craze" and was for those who wanted to improve their fitness and have fun at the same time.