AN advertising agency has been criticised after inviting job applicants to send in a topless photo along with their CV.

Bosses at AD78 said they wanted a university graduate with experience in marketing for the post of account handler.

The job offers the prospect of a car and a high salary, to be negotiated.

But their newspaper advert closes: "Please apply in writing with CV and topless photo."

Since the ad was placed last week, the Northumberland firm has had one application from a young hopeful who happily supplied a picture of herself naked from the waist up.

AD78 boss David Buckle said: "We asked for a topless photo just to see how far people were prepared to go. We want applicants who are prepared to go the extra yard and we thought this would be a challenge.

"I am not trying to hire male or female bimbos. We want top class people, probably graduates, with experience in the business."

The advert is open to men and women, but the Trades Union Congress attacked the agency's approach, saying it may still breach equal opportunities law.

A TUC spokesman said: "No sensible employer needs to place this type of recruitment advert. It is not funny - topless photographs do not relate in any way to the job advertised."