A row over a saucy advertisement for sex shop Anne Summers' Banbury branch could be decided in court.

Jacqueline Gold, chief executive of Ann Summers, has written to the Advertising Standards Authority threatening legal action over restrictions on her firm's advertising.

The dispute arose after Ann Summers displayed a mobile poster for its Banbury store showing Nancy Sorrell - wife of comedian Vic Reeves - astride a rocking horse.

The ASA ruled that it breached its decency code and caused serious offence.

Mrs Gold claimed that the ASA had treated Anne Summers unfairly and breached natural justice by banning the firm from advertising without vetting by the ASA. Mrs Gold said: "The Banbury poster ad amused the majority of the public by its geographical reference and clever play on words.

"I have asked for the ban to be lifted and for a response from the ASA by Friday (August 6). Ann Summers is fully prepared to make a court challenge, if necessary."