AN anti-sleaze campaigner is enlisting the help of Jack Straw to clean up Blackburn's streets.

And Luke Carter, 20, who wants the Blackburn MP to help him stop advertising firms using scantily-clad women to sell products, has won backing from the Bishop of Blackburn.

Mr Carter, of Snowdon Avenue, Blackburn, said he is determined to rid Blackburn of the pictures he has labelled as pornography.

He added: "The amount of semi-naked women on pictures in shops and on buses and billboards is growing fast. It is seeping in more and more. It's everywhere and it's unnecessary."

Mr Carter, a youth worker in Blackburn, said he was spurred on to take action after taking his young nieces into Blackburn town centre.

He said: "I feel I can't take my young nieces into shops because they are exposed to this pornography which should have some form of legislation attached to it.

"The world has slowly accepted more and more of these images and they are on the front of many magazines which are seen by young girls who may think that is the way to behave and could copy. The Government has a responsibility to people and is letting us down by allowing this free for all."

Mr Carter said he would stand in Blackburn shopping centre with his petition and will target schools and youth clubs to find like-minded parents.

He said he planned to take his findings to Jack Straw, adding: "Everywhere you look you see it and not all of us want it shoved in our faces. It is about time something was done about it.

"I want these pictures to be banned from front covers of mainstream magazines and newspapers and on general advertisements that everyone can see. At least then we would all be able to walk into shops without leaving children in the car for fear of them being exposed to these images.

"I will not stop until something is done and I want to get as many signatures as possible to make a difference."

The Bishop of Blackburn Nicolas Reid said: "I find it hard to understand why so many advertisers appear to think these images appeal and the only way to get their message across is by showing as much bare flesh as possible. I always look for images that give positive impressions of people.

"I do sympathise with the man who has started his campaign as they do appear to go as far to the line as possible."

Claire Forbes, head of communications at the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA), urged Mr Carter to make a complaint, adding: "There are specific rules in place that advertisers have to adhere to when promoting their products. The codes do not set out definitive rules such as 'how little' models in ads should wear but they do require advertisers uphold certain standards.

"Taste and decency can be a very contentious area and people's sensibilities can be offended. The ASA Council takes every care and consideration when making a decision on any advertisement.

"When making its judgments it will take into account what medium the advertisement appears in, who is likely to see it and what the product being advertised is."

Blackburn MP Jack Straw added: "I await Luke's dossier with interest."