THE controversial "peace-keeping" advertising campaign by BAE Systems has come under sustained fire.

Only a week after advertising watchdogs cleared the defence giant over the allegedly sexist "Nagging Nora" advert, the company has faced another Advertising Standards Authority decision.

Three more adverts in a national campaign were hit by complaints that they were "offensive, disrespectful and repellent".

But again, the firm has been found not guilty by the ASA.

The subjects of the latest three complaints featured an armed soldier protecting a child under a BAE umbrella, a hummingbird and an image of three poppies. Underneath all three adverts was the message: "Innovating for a safer world".

The complainants claim BAE sold weapons to oppressive regimes and fuelled the arms race. They said the advertisements were offensive and misleadingly implied the weapons were used only for peace-keeping.

Three people had separately complained about the poppies advert on the grounds that it was "repellent, disrespectful and offensive" because it promoted Armistice Day.

BAE explained the Government's licensing criteria forbade export of equipment that contravened international obligations, risked regional stability or might be used for internal repression or external aggression.

BAE added they had recently received the Corporate Partner of the Year Award from the Royal British Legion.

The Authority noted the complainants had been offended but considered that the advertisers were entitled to highlight their role in non-conflict situations.